Foot of a Vessel
Unknown Artist
11th–12th century
Medium
Bronze; cast, chased, and pierced
Dimensions
H. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm) W. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm) D. 15/16 in. (2.4 cm) Wt. 1.9 oz. (53.9 g)
Classification
Metal
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Anonymous Gift, 1973
Accession Number
1973.338.2
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic collection, this delicate "Foot of a Vessel" the 11th–12th century exemplifies the exquisite metalworking traditions of the medieval Islamic world. Crafted from bronze, the small base—standing just 2½ inches tall and weighing under 2 ounces—was meticulously cast to form its shape, then refined through chasing (hammering fine details into the surface) and piercing (cutting intricate openwork patterns). These techniques highlight the artisan's mastery, creating a lightweight yet sturdy support that likely elevated a larger vessel like an ewer o...