Islamic Lamps and Hookahs Object Study, 1846, Paper

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Antique Islamic Lamps and Hookahs Object Study, Maximilian Egypt 1846 This highly detailed 19th-century Orientalist reference engraving presents a comprehensive … Read more Antique Islamic Lamps and Hookahs Object Study, Maximilian Egypt 1846 This highly detailed 19th-century Orientalist reference engraving presents a comprehensive visual inventory of Islamic household and ceremonial objects, meticulously arranged as an encyclopedic study of Middle Eastern decorative arts. The plate displays an extraordinary range of hanging lamps, incense burners, oil vessels, hookah components, pipes, metal bowls, basins, candlesticks, ritual containers, and architectural lanterns, all rendered with scientific clarity and artistic precision. Each object is depicted individually at scale, revealing structural form, ornamentation, suspension systems, and decorative surface treatment. The symmetry of the layout transforms functional objects into a harmonious ornamental composition. Central suspension lamps dominate the design, flanked by tall hookah pipes and hanging lanterns, while smaller personal utensils and domestic vessels fill the surrounding space. The engraving functions simultaneously as a documentary artifact, a design reference sheet, and a decorative artwork in its own right. This plate originates from the celebrated Oriental journey of Duke Maximilian of Bavaria, with drawings made on-site by Heinrich von Mayr and published with scholarly commentary by Dr. Sebastian Fischer. The series remains one of the most accurate European visual records of Islamic material culture from the early modern Middle East. Von Mayr’s refined line work captures not only the form but the character of each object, preserving manufacturing techniques that in many cases have since vanished. Artistically, the strength of the plate lies in its balance between scientific documentation and decorative beauty. The restrained tonal engraving allows light to interact delicately with every curved surface and pierced metal pattern. The engraver’s mastery is evident in the way glass translucency, hammered metal, filigree detail, and textile tassels are all distinctly conveyed within a single unified composition. Historically, such plates played a key role in the transmission of Islamic design into European decorative arts during the 19th century. Architects, metalworkers, interior designers, and furniture makers relied on these exact visual sources when developing Moorish Revival and Orientalist interiors throughout Europe. This makes the print not only a collectible artwork, but also a foundational design document. Today, this engraving appeals strongly to collectors of Islamic art, Orientalist scholarship, decorative arts history, and interior designers seeking refined historical reference material. Its symmetrical composition, technical clarity, and architectural elegance make it exceptionally well-suited for high-end interior display in libraries, studies, ateliers, design studios, and curated gallery walls. Condition report: Good antique condition. Light to moderate age-related foxing visible mainly in the outer margins. Minor edge wear at extremities. The engraved image remains crisp and sharply printed throughout. Plate mark faintly visible. Framing tips: A wide ivory or light sand-colored mat will preserve the archival presence of the sheet while allowing the intricate forms to breathe visually. A blackened wood, dark walnut, or lightly antiqued gilt frame will enhance the sculptural nature of the objects. UV-filter glass strongly recommended. Technique: Steel engraving Maker: Heinrich von Mayr, Germany, 1846 See less