A Mamluk silver-inlaid cast-brass pricket candlestick base, Syria or Egypt, second half 13th century

sitting on three angular feet, each side decorated with central floret surrounded by ducks in flight amid vegetal scrolls

In good overall condition, silver-inlay largely intact, various knocks, scuffs and abrasions, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Candlestick stands of small dimensions such as the present example were most probably intended for use within the private home. The attention to detail is noteworthy, and the same details of flying birds within foliate scrolls around a floral medallion can be seen on an almost identical base in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, inv. no M.2002.1.575, published in Atil 1981, p.67, no.17). A further comparable with its stem and tray is in the Louvre Museum, Paris, inv. no. 7440, and another in the Aron Collection (Allan 1986, p.90, no.11).