Portfolio
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Leather
Dimensions
H. 31 1/4 in. (79.4 cm) W. 25 in. (63.5 cm)
Classification
Leather
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1924
Accession Number
24.48.2
Art Historical Context
This elegant leather portfolio from the 18th exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Islamic art. Measuring 31¼ inches high by 25 inches wide, was designed to safely house precious manuscripts, calligraphic scrolls, or miniature paintings—items central to scholarly and artistic life in the Islamic world. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 4, it now graces the Metropolitan Museum of Art Department of Islamic Art. Craft from high-quality leather, such portfolios were a hallmark of Ottoman, Persian, or Mughal workshops during this period, when bookbinding reached extraordinary levels of artist...