Tray with Sun Symbol

Unknown

14th century · Brass; cast, chased, engraved, inlaid with silver and gold · Islamic Art

A sun symbol occupies the center of this plate, but instead of the planets orbiting it, we find musicians and other courtly figures. Here, the sun may symbolize earthly power and physical strength rather than a heavenly body.

Artist

Unknown

Date

14th century

Medium

Brass; cast, chased, engraved, inlaid with silver and gold

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917