Element from a Stalactite Squinch (Muqarnas)

Unknown

10th century · Stucco; painted · Islamic Art

Probably originally part of a muqarnas, or stalactite squinch, this and other muqarnas elements would have been stacked, in descending size, in the upper corner of a room in order to make the transition to a dome. This, together with objects 38.40.249–38.40.251 are among the earliest known examples of muqarnas, a feature that became quite popular in Islamic architecture in subsequent centuries. The painting on these elements is intriguing, with disembodied eyes that peer out from the vegetal decoration.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th century

Medium

Stucco; painted

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1938