MANIAL

The brass and glass lamp shown here was inspired by a 19th-century pyramidal fanous on display at Al Manial Palace in Cairo. Lamps with arched openings for glass panes were introduced in the late 18th century at about the same time glass windows became fashionable in Cairene homes and allowed more light than traditional Mamluki thurwan. The artist refined the prototype, designing a five-sided lantern with each panel forming an arch opening surrounded by a border of reticulated half-circles (fustanat). The arch surround is ornamented with etched Persian vegetal motifs. Above and below the central arch are plaques containing calligraphic inscriptions surrounded by an etched border of a chain motif (silsila). The upper plaque inscription reads: 'Happiness'. The lower plaque reads: 'Blessing and Prosperity and Acceptance'.

The polygonal body is surmounted by a double dome and globular finial, engraved and perforated with Persian vegetal patterns. The underside of the lantern is formed of an engraved and perforated double dome with an opening for either a single large glass qandil or a spotlight. Manial can be hung from a wall bracket or from the ceiling.

LMAM-47