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. 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Classification
Stucco
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1948
Accession Number
48.101.388
Art Historical Context
This delicate stucco fragment, dating to the 8th–12th century, offers a glimpse into the refined world of early Islamic architecture. Likely originating from a mosque, palace, or monumental structure in regions like Iran, Iraq, or—key centers of Abbasid and Fatimid innovation—such fragments adorned walls and arches with intricate patterns. Stucco, a versatile plaster-like material made from gypsum, lime, and aggregates, was prized for its moldability and affordability, allowing artisans to create lavish decorations on a grand scale without the expense of stone carving. Crafted through skilled...