Panel, carved ivory
The panel was carved with an arabesque that is vertically symmetrical. Its vines emerge from the center and are entwined in many layers. Wider palmettes with a certain relief effect, due partly to the fine drilled holes, are found on top of the vines.
Despite the panel’s small format, the ivory carver was able to create quite a complicated decoration, whose structure was originally even clearer since the background was painted.
The technique and style indicate that the panel comes from Egypt in the 13th-14th century. It was part of a larger structure made of wood, perhaps a minbar (pulpit), a Koran stand, or a door.
Despite the panel’s small format, the ivory carver was able to create quite a complicated decoration, whose structure was originally even clearer since the background was painted.
The technique and style indicate that the panel comes from Egypt in the 13th-14th century. It was part of a larger structure made of wood, perhaps a minbar (pulpit), a Koran stand, or a door.