Qaytbay was one of Barsbay’s Mamluks. A Mamluk was a slave and Qaytbay was originally purchased for fifty dinars. However, in this strange culture, often one had to begin his life as a slave to obtain greatness, and thus Qaytbay worked his way up through the ranks to become commander-in-chief of the army, and ultimately sultan. he reign from 1468 through 1496, a record broken only by al-Nasir Muhammad. He was noted for his martial prowess and physical energy, and for his remorseless financial taxation of his subjects. The two main efforts of his reign were developing relations with the rising power of the Ottomans and a promotion of trade, particularly with the Italians.
Sultan Qaytbay was a prolific builder of various institutions in Egypt during his reign, much like al-Nasir Muhammad in the fourteenth century. In fact, some eighty-five structures have been attributed to him in Syria, Palestine, Mecca, Alexandria and Cairo. His reign was long enough to allow specific styles to develop in the various important monuments that he sponsored. This was a period of consolidation, however, rather than innovation, when domestic ideas of architecture played a more significant part than did foreign ideas. This was a golden age of stone carving when architecture, rather than being gigantic, tended towards refinement. Particularly on facades, marble work also played a prominent role in decoration.
Qaytbay’s monument remains a fine example of architecture during a period when decorative arts had reached their zenith. It was once a vast desert complex that included a commercial center on the main north-south trade route with Syria and the east-west trade route with the Red Sea. This complex, built between 1472 and 1474 AD and now featured on the Egyptian One Pound Note, is well worth a visit.
The Mosque
To the left of the portal is a sabil-kuttab, and on the right is a minaret. Rising from the structure on the southeast side is a small but magnificent mausoleum dome. Its surface is adorned with a carved straight-lined star pattern superimposed on another carved network of undulating arabesques.
Left: Interior view of Mihrab; Right: A historical view of the qibla wall
The stone minaret, carved with stars in high relief, is slender and elegant. On its surface there are two separate designs, complex but clear. One is a plain, raised straight-lined star pattern and the other an undulating lacework of floral arabesque that is grooved and recessed. The bulb at the top has a carved, twisted band on its neck. This is one of the most beautiful minarets in Cairo, and from its tower one is provided with an excellent view of the dome. The sabil, or fountain, has a gilded wooden ceiling and in the vestibule is a stone bench and cupboard with doors inlaid with wood and ivory.
Ashli Jewelers is proudly to present this recreation of The Preaching Stand based on the original 15th century plans of the Mosque of Qaytbay (Egypt). The structure of the Stand has a 23k Yellow Gold & White Gold coating that is enhanced by the use of 3,300 pieces semi-precious gemstones that consist of Lapis Lazuli, Red Onyx, Mother-of-Pearl, Malachite and of Picture Jasper. The end result is a stunning work of art which combines the exacting skills of lapidary, metal processing and intricate craftsmanship. Send inquiries to inquiries@ashlijewelers.com.
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Ludwig II (Ludwig Friedrich Wilhelm; sometimes rendered as Louis II in English) (August 25, 1845 – June 13, 1886) was king of Bavaria from 1864 until shortly before his death. He is sometimes referred to as the Swan King in English and der Märchenkönig (the Fairy tale King) in German.
Ludwig is sometimes referred to as Mad King Ludwig, though the accuracy of that label has been disputed. Because Ludwig was deposed on grounds of mental illness without any medical examination, and died a day later under mysterious circumstances, questions about the medical “diagnosis” remain controversial.
Ludwig is best known as an eccentric whose legacy is intertwined with the history of art and architecture, as he commissioned the construction of several extravagant fantasy castles (the most famous being Neuschwanstein) and was a devoted patron of the composer Richard Wagner.
Neuschwanstein Castle Description & History:
Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II, also known as Mad King Ludwig. o replicate medieval architecture and to pay homage to the operas of Wagner. You may think you’ve already seen it–it’s Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, but real. The foundation stone was set on September 5th, 1869. When Ludwig II died in 1886, the castle was still not complete. The building site near Pöllat Gorge is probably one of the most beautiful in the world.
Welcome to the world of Miniature Gemstone Castle Clocks! Mad Ludwig would have approved of these enchanting masterpieces which were inspired after Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein in Bavaria. The clock towers and base are in Malachite and Mother of Pearl and furthered decorated with Lapis Lazuli, Black Onyx, B.C. Jade, Coral and Red Jasper accented with gold plated brass ornamentation. This masterpiece is the work of three craftsmen who labored up to 3,000 man hours to produce these stunning masterpieces.
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Over 3,500 gemstones
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Features ten clocks
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3 microns of 23K gold plating
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H36″ x 30″ x 24″
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For offering price please email to inquiries@ashlijewelers.com
Truly a collectors dream come true! There is a smaller version available that features only four clocks. Each clocks is serialized and comes with a letter of authenticity.
Further information on Mad Ludwig Neuschwanstein in Bavaria can be read at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_II_of_Bavaria. Please send inquiries to inquiries@ashlijewelers.com
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