Panel

Unknown

second half 8th century · Wood (fig); mosaic with bone and four different types of wood · Islamic Art

The most complete surviving example of its kind, this panel most likely comes from a side of a cenotaph. It shows clear similarities to the carved decoration of a group of panels found at the 'Ain al‑Sira cemetery in Egypt. It incorporates decorative elements from both the Late Antique and Sasanian traditions. The geometric motifs derive directly from Roman mosaics, whereas the winglike designs in the arch spandrels are of Sasanian derivation.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 8th century

Medium

Wood (fig); mosaic with bone and four different types of wood

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Samuel D. Lee Fund, 1937