Luxury Inlaid Container
Unknown Artist
c. 1250–1350
Medium
sheet brass, inlaid with silver and gold
Dimensions
{"diameter":{"width":0.114},"overall":{"height":0.12},"diameter of box":{"width":0.101},"box":{"height":0.097}}
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1944.482
About this artwork
Metalwork flourished in the 1200s with production centers in Mosul, Damascus, and eastern Anatolia. Along with this container, the nearby ewer and candlestick are examples of the superb pieces produced at this time. Scenes of court life, including banqueting, music, and enthroned figures, decorate the sides and top of the container. The lid is covered in hexagonal swastikas, an ancient solar motif, which is further enhanced by a large sunburst in the center. The calligraphic inscriptions extend ...