AL MISBAH

This lantern is an original design synthesized from various Egyptian Mamluki prototypes. The body of the thurayya is octagonal, surmounted by a dome and globular finial. Each rectangular side panel is decorated with a quatrefoil pattern containing an etched calligraphic inscription of the Basmallah in Thuluth style: "In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate."

The field within the quatrefoil is perforated. The surrounding field is also perforated and etched with a geometric pattern. One panel forms a hinged door for access to the lantern interior.

Nine cylinders, perforated and etched with geometric patterns, extend from the base plate to hold blown glass qanadil. The upper rim of the body is crested with splayed, pierced crenelations. The dome is ornamented with three engraved bands on a perforated field. The upper and lower bands contain interlace forming a diamond pattern. The middle band contains the Qur'anic inscription in Thuluth style of the beginning of the Light Verse from the Holy Qur'an: "God is the Light of the Heavens and the Earth."

The finial globes are ornamented with interlacing circles on a perforated field. A chain extends from the tip of the finial so that electrical wiring from above can be entwined around it. Four chains attached to rings connected at intervals to the top of the body converge to suspend the lantern.

Al Misbah is available with four, six or eight sides and can be made to order with as many as sixteen sides.

LMAM-4/5/6