Pattern Block

Unknown

12th century · Stone (slate); carved · Islamic Art

This engraved block was employed for leather tooling. Leather–widely used in the Islamic world for daily objects, bookbindings, quivers, etc.– was gently hammered on the slate in order to impress the designs in positive relief. In this example, the main decorative pattern–the motif of animated scrolls–became popular in twelfth-century Iran.

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th century

Medium

Stone (slate); carved

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Stora Art Gallery, 1932