Stucco Fragment
Unknown Artist
probably 8th–12th century
Medium
Stucco; carved, painted
Dimensions
H. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm) W. 1 15/16 in. (5 cm) D. 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Classification
Stucco
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1948
Accession Number
48.101.481
Art Historical Context
### Stucco Fragment This delicate stucco fragment, likely from the 8th to 12th century, a glimpse into the refined artistry of early Islamic architecture. Measuring just 2⅜ inches high, it was part of a larger decorative scheme, possibly adorning the walls of a palace, mosque, or elite residence in regions like Iraq, Iran, or Central Asia during the Abbasid or Seljuk periods. Stucco, a molded plaster made from gypsum or lime, was a favored medium in Islamic art for its versatility—easily carved into intricate patterns and painted for vibrant color—making grand ornamentation accessible without...