Pyxis with Painted Designs

Unknown

second half 12th–first half 13th century · Ivory; painted, gilded copper alloy mounts · Islamic Art

A popular type of ivory container produced in medieval Sicily was composed of ivory sheets, often nailed together with ivory pegs, and decorated with designs painted in tempera colors, a technique both faster and more economical than carving. On this pyxis, the decoration is now largely faded, but includes lions, arabesques, and floral scrolls. The gilded silver attachments on this example are thought to be original.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 12th–first half 13th century

Medium

Ivory; painted, gilded copper alloy mounts

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Egleston Fund, 1915