HALAB

An original design by Randa Fahmy for the reception area at Sofitel Sharm El Sheikh, this sixteen-sided chandelier is a synthesis of several Syrian tananir found in Aleppo and Damascus. The upper body is formed of sixteen rectangular panels crowned by splayed, openwork trefoil creneltaions and surmounted with a conical 'roof' formed of sixteen triangular panels with etched foliate patterns surrounding a classic stylized Ottoman cypress design. The 'roof' ends in a globular finial.

The panels of the upper body are etched and perforated with a rounded arch pattern filled with a complex foliate design. Thirty-tow triangular qandil holders surmounted by domes with star and crescent finials are attached to the upper body.

Two polycandelon trays are suspended from the upper body by steel suspension arms covered by twisted brass tubes. The upper tray is formed of sixteen square panels etched with a roundel filled with the same foliate patterns as in the upper body. Sixteen domical lampshades are suspended from each panel by curved arms. Syrian glass beads hang from the lampshades. The lower polycandelon tray, which holds ninety-seven qanadil, is formed of sixteen smaller square panels etched with four alternating interlace motifs inspired by traditional damascene metalwork.