Stucco Fragment
Unknown Artist
probably 8th–12th century
Medium
Stucco; carved, painted
Dimensions
H. 3 3/8 in. (8.5 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
48.101.464
Art Historical Context
This delicate stucco fragment, dating to the 8th–12th century, a glimpse into the refined artistry of early Islamic architecture. Likely originating from a mosque, palace, or structure in the Islamic world—possibly regions like Iran or Iraq—it exemplifies the era's penchant for ornate decoration that adorned walls and niches. Though small (just 3⅜ inches high), its survival speaks to the enduring craftsmanship of anonymous artisans who transformed humble plaster into architectural splendor. Crafted from stucco—a molded plaster of Paris mixed with lime and aggregates—the fragment was intricate...