Accession Number

2014.020c

Description

Steel and brass fire tongs, the threaded cast brass handle with detailing sourced from the Islamic design tradition, the bulbous top with geometric decoration reminiscent of the domes of mosques in the Middle East and northern Africa, the steel portions of the tongs tapering to pad-shape ends for handling coal and embers.

Narrative

These tongs are part of a set of three fire tools that incorporate Islamic design into the handles. During the late 19th Century, Islamic-inspired art and architectural features were often found in the houses of Europe and North America. In Victoria, B.C., some houses had Moorish smoking rooms.  Mary Jean Dunsmuir had one in her house Mt. Adelaide. Whether Craigdarroch contained an assortment of exotic Islamic-inspired objects during the Dunsmuir years is not known. However, objects like this set of firetools would have been ideal for use anywhere in Craigdarroch where there was a fireplace, and especially in its smoking room. 

History of Use

Unknown. Purchased at an Edmonton, Alberta used furnishings store before being donated to Craigdarroch Castle.

Date

circa 1890

Dimensions

72 x 7 cm
4 cm

Material

Metal, steel; Metal, brass

Technique

Forged; Lost wax cast