Stucco Fragment
Unknown Artist
probably 8th–12th century
Medium
Stucco; carved and painted
Dimensions
H. 1 15/16 in. (5 cm) W. 1 9/16 in. (4 cm) D. 9/16 in. (1.5 cm)
Classification
Stucco
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1948
Accession Number
48.101.361
Art Historical Context
This delicate stucco fragment, dating to the 8th–12th century, a glimpse into the refined artistry of early Islamic architecture. Crafted from stucco—a versatile plaster-like material molded and shaped while wet—this tiny piece (just under 2 inches tall) likely adorned a mosque, palace, or residence in regions like Iraq, Iran, or Central Asia during the Abbasid or Seljuk periods. Stucco was prized in Islamic art for its and adaptability, allowing artisans to create intricate decorations on walls and arches where stone carving was impractical. The fragment's carved and painted surface exemplif...