Matrix of greenish limestone for stamping leather
The matrix belongs to a little group that can be dated and localized thanks to its patterns, on the one hand, and because the name of a Ghurid general is found on one of the matrices, on the other. He died in c. 1210 as governor of Herat, and the mountains north of this Afghan city in particular have an abundance of the greenish limestone from which most of these matrices were made.
They were especially used to stamp leather wallets, of which the David Collection owns examples (see 14/2001). The large patterns covered an entire front or back while the smaller ones could also have embellished other forms of leather, for example harnesses and belts.
They were especially used to stamp leather wallets, of which the David Collection owns examples (see 14/2001). The large patterns covered an entire front or back while the smaller ones could also have embellished other forms of leather, for example harnesses and belts.