Fragment of a Frieze with Cursive Script

Unknown Artist

11th century

Fragment of a Frieze with Cursive Script by Unknown Artist

Medium

Plaster; carved and painted

Dimensions

H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm) W. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm) D. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm) Wt. 34.4 oz. (975.333 g)

Classification

Plaster

Department

Islamic Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Rogers Fund, 1940

Accession Number

40.170.682

Art Historical Context

This delicate fragment of a frieze dating to the 11th century, offers glimpse into the refined world of Islamic architecture.ed from plaster that has intricately carved in low relief vividly painted, it measures just 7 3/4 inches high 7 1/2 wide, suggesting it adorned a larger architectural element, such as a mosque or wall. The central feature its flowing cursive script, a hallmark of early Islamic calligraphy emerged as artists developed more styles beyond rigid Kufic formsIn the Islamic artistic tradition calligraphy held profound cultural and significance, often conveying Quranic verses, p...

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