POLYCANDELON

The polycandelon is a suspended floatwick lamp, which originated in the classical period and was in widespread use throughout Byzantium during the 6th and 7th centuries. The lamp consisted of blown glass oil containers (qanadil) set into a circular metal frame or tray, suspended by chains or suspension arms. The Byzantine polycandelon was adapted by Muslim artisans with the spread of Islam (cruciform ornamentation was replaced with geometric patterns in harmony with Muslim aesthetics) and, according to James W. Allen, "was destined to dictate the metalwork form of mosque lighting in western Islam for centuries to come."

The polycandelon became a common form of lighting in North Africa, Andalusian Spain, Egypt and Syria, reaching its most elaborate form during the Mamluk period. All suspended lanterns in these regions were a development of the simple polycandelon.

Polycandela were not, however, widely used in Persia or eastern Islamic lands under Persian influence, and one reason for this may have been that in Persia lamps were commonly set upon floor-stands rather than suspended.

The artist has found in the polycandelon a highly effective form of direct and indirect decorative lighting for large public rooms. She first adapted this ancient prototype for a private dining room in the Nile Hilton Hotel in Cairo. Each octagonal lamp was suspended over an octagonal dining table.

The polycandelon shown here, used over the buffet area of Sofitel Sharm El Sheikh, is fabricated of eight three-sided sheet brass rectangular boxes open from above, with openings for spotlights ranged along the lower side of the lamp. All three sides of the body are perforated and etched with a design the artist found on a Mamluk basin featuring rectangular medallions containing a calligraphic inscription - "Prosperity and Exaltation" - alternating with smaller ornamented medallions on an intricate field of floral and vegetal patterns. This form also allows for indirect lighting facing the ceiling to be fixed within the body to change the overall quality of the lighting environment.