Stucco Fragment

Art Historical Context

This delicate stucco fragment, likely from the 8th–12th century, offers a glimpse into the splendor of early Islamic architecture. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art department, it measures a modest 3.5 x 3 x 1.5 inches and was acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1948. Crafted from mortar-based stucco, it was intricately carved and painted, that allowed artisans to create affordable yet lavish decorations for mosques, palaces, and across regions like Iran, Iraq and Central Asia. Stucco became a hallmark of Islamic art during this period, serving as a versatile medium for o...