Panel
Unknown Artist
14th–15th century
Medium
Wood; inlaid with plain and carved ivory
Dimensions
Ht. 2 13/16 in. (7.1 cm) W. 1 5/8 in. (4.2 cm) D. 9/16 in. (1.5 cm)
Classification
Wood
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1907
Accession Number
07.236.109
Art Historical Context
This exquisite wooden panel, crafted by an unknown artist in the 14–15th century, the refined artistry of Islamic decorative traditions. Measuring just 2 13/16 inches and 1 5/8 inches wide, its diminutive scale suggests it once adorned a small luxury object such as a box, casket, or furniture inlay. The medium—wood inlaid with both plain and intricately carved ivory—highlights a sophisticated technique prized in the Islamic world, where contrasting materials created luminous, tactile effects that elevated everyday items to treasures. Inlaid ivory work flourished during this period, blending w...