Pilaster with a Pattern of Leaves

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Islamic Art collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, thisPilaster with a Pattern of Leaves* a striking example of architectural sculpture from the 3rd to 12th century. Crafted from limestone and carved in low relief, the pilaster—essentially a flattened column used to decorate walls—features an intricate leafy motif that evokes the lush, paradisiacal gardens celebrated in Islamic culture. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1910, it showcases the enduring craftsmanship of an unknown artist from a vast era spanning early Islamic dynasties. In Islamic art, vegetal patterns l...