Chest Front
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Wood (walnut); carved
Dimensions
H. 21 1/2 in. (54.6 cm) W. 64 1/2 in. (163.8 cm) D. 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Classification
Wood
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1922
Accession Number
22.185.18
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite carved walnut chest front from the 18th century offers a glimpse into the refined woodworking traditions of Islamic art. Measuring an impressive 64½ inches wide but only 1 inch deep, it was likely designed as a decorative panel for a storage chest, a common piece of household furniture valued for both utility and beauty. Acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Rogers Fund in 1922, it showcases the skill of an unknown artisan in transforming humble wood into a canvas of intricate design. The surface is adorned with repeating palmette motifs—stylized palm leaves th...