17th century
Iran
Object qualities
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Object
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumSteel; cut
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SizeH. 5 7/16 in. (13.8 cm) W. 15 7/16 in. (39.2 cm) D. 1/4 in. (0.6 cm) Wt. 11.1 oz. (314.7 g)
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Geography detailsAttributed to
Iran -
Country today
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Date17th century
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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This pierced steel plaque contains an inscription in fluid nasta‘liq script against a background of vegetal scrolls, which praises the Prophet, his daughter Fatima, and the Twelve Shi‘i Imams (the Chahardah Ma‘sum, or Fourteen Infallibles). The openwork casts a delicate shadow as light filters through its perforations. Similar plaques were placed on entryway doors surrounding the cenotaphs of holy personages in Shi‘i shrines in Iran.