Panel
Unknown Artist
14th–15th century
Medium
Wood; inlaid with ivory
Dimensions
Ht. 1 3/16 in. (3 cm) W. 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm) D. 7/16 in. (1.1 cm)
Classification
Wood
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1907
Accession Number
07.236.120
Art Historical Context
This exquisite small panel, crafted by an unknown artist in the14th–15th, exemplifies the refined artistry of Islamic decorative traditions. Measuring just 1 3/16 inches and 2 3/16 inches wide, it likely designed as an inlay for furniture, boxes, or architectural elements, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of the medieval Islamic world, possibly from regions like Mamluk Egypt or Syria where such techniques flourished. Made of wood inlaid with ivory, the panel highlights a sophisticated marquetry technique. Artisans would carefully cut and fit ivory pieces into the wood substrate, creati...