Panel

Unknown

10th–12th century · Wood (ebony); carved · Islamic Art

This carved panel, is ornamented with a bird and an ibex, surrounded by arabesques. While earlier forms of Egyptian wood-work emphasized abstract vegetal designs as a primary motif, in this piece naturalistic animal forms dominate the carving. At top a bird puffs its chest and spreads its wings, while at bottom an ibex leans his head back in mid-stride. Their bodies are further ornamented with carvings to indicating feather and fur patterns. Similar animal forms depicted within cartouches can be found ornamenting many objects produced in the Mediterranean area during the medieval period, including ivories, textiles, and metalwork

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th–12th century

Medium

Wood (ebony); carved

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1933