Stucco Fragment
Unknown Artist
probably 8th–12th century
Medium
Stucco; carved, painted (?)
Dimensions
H. 1 15/16 in. (5 cm) W. 1 15/16 in. (5 cm) D. 13/16 in. (2 cm)
Classification
Stucco
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1948
Accession Number
48.101.317
Art Historical Context
This delicate stucco fragment, dating to the 8th–12th century, a glimpse into the refined artistry of Islamic architecture during a golden age of cultural flourishing. Likely originating from a mosque, palace, or in the Islamic world—possibly regions like Iraq, Iran, or Central Asia—it exemplifies the era's passion for ornate decoration. Small in scale (just under 2 inches square), such fragments were once part of larger panels adorning walls, arches, or prayer niches (mihrabs), where they contributed to immersive spiritual environments. Crafted from stucco—a versatile plaster-like material m...