Plaque

Art Historical Context

This delicate bronze plaque, crafted by an unknown artist in the half of the 13 century, hails from the vibrant world of Islamic art. Measuring just over 2 inches wide and tall, its petite scale—barely the size of a modern coaster—suggests it served as a decorative appliqué, perhaps adorning jewelry, belts, harnesses, or furniture. The "drilled" technique indicates precise holes were bored through the thin metal (only 1/8 inch deep), allowing it to be riveted or sewn onto leather or fabric, a practical yet elegant method common in medieval Islamic metalworking. Animal motifs, hinted at by its...