probably 13th century
Syria
Object qualities
-
Object
-
Type of arts & crafts
-
MediumWood; carved
-
SizeH. 4-1/2 in (11.4 cm) W. 47 in. (119.4 cm)
-
Geography detailsAttributed to
Syria -
Country today
-
Dateprobably 13th century
Source of information
-
Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
-
Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
-
The bold naskh lettering intertwined with delicate background scrolls on this panel recalls illuminated calligraphy of manuscripts and inscription bands of inlaid metalwork. Traces of red and blue pigment and gilding indicate that the panel, probably part of a wall frieze, was once similarly polychromatic. Medieval authors refer to such epigraphic architectural friezes as tiraz, a term for inscribed textiles. These connections demonstrate the aesthetic continuities between a wide variety of media, on dramatically different scales.