Dado Panel

Unknown

10th century · Stucco; carved · Islamic Art

This small panel was excavated at Nishapur from a mound known as Sabz Pushan (the Green Covered). Excavations at Sabz Pushan revealed part of a residential neighborhood with several houses and an alleyway. This piece was found in an iwan, or covered room opening onto a courtyard, richly decorated with carved panels and wall paintings. This iwan may have been part of a private house, but the presence of a mihrab (prayer niche) suggests that it could have also served as a small neighborhood mosque. Other panels found in the same iwan include MMA 37.40.43, 37.40.45, 37.40.46 and 37.40.47. The piece specifically formed the base of a column framing the mihrab. While its design is unique and made to fit the dimensions of this particular panel, the leaf motif in the center appears throughout the iwan in a variety of combinations, creating a sense of cohesion. Such attention to detail, even at the level of tiny panels like this one, is typical of the architectural decoration at Nishapur.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th century

Medium

Stucco; carved

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1937