Seal

Art Historical Context

This exquisite 11th-century seal from the Islamic Art collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art the refined craftsmanship of medieval Islamic artisans. Measuring just 11/16 inch high and 9/16 inch wide, its dimin size belies its practical importance. Crafted possibly from ivory and stained a vibrant green—a technique that enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal—this seal would have been used to imprint official marks on documents, parcels, or possessions, serving as a personal signature in an era before widespread literacy. In the bustling Islamic world of the 11th century, during the hei...