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Title

Polycandelon for six oil lamps

Artist

Artist Unknown, Coptic, Egypt

Physical Description

This bronze light fixture consists of a central circular celestial motif from which extend twelve arms in a radial pattern. Six of these arms, embellished with maltese crosses, end in omega-shaped terminals. These decorated arms alternate with six unadorned arms that terminate in rings designed to hold glass oil lamps. The entire disk is suspended from three bronze chains joined to a large hook.

Century

6th century

Object Creation Date

500-599

Accession Number

1965/2.54

Medium and Support

bronze

relevance

rank 22.26298

Primary Keywords

bronze (metal)

chandeliers

coptic (christianity)

egypt (nation)

lamps (lighting devices)

maltese crosses

Title

Censer with Maltese crosses, birds, and columns

Artist

Artist Unknown, Coptic, Egypt

Physical Description

The body of this cylindrical censer is decorated with eight columns spaced at regular intervals. The lid of the censer consists of an openwork dome divided into sections by eight vertical ribs that converge at its apex. An arched horizontal band intersects the midpoint of the ribs, and these eight junctures are marked with a projecting bird that holds a small bronze ball dangling from its beak. Two segments of the dome are decorated with Maltese crosses while another two feature curved plant forms. The apex is surmounted by a finial comprised of a globe topped by a Maltese cross on which a bird holding a piece of fruit perches.

Century

6th-7th century

Object Creation Date

500-699

Accession Number

1960/2.4

Medium and Support

bronze

relevance

rank 22.04025

Primary Keywords

birds

bronze (metal)

censers

columns (architectural elements)

coptic (christianity)

incense burners

maltese crosses