Inkwell with Zodiac Signs

Unknown

early 13th century · Brass; cast, inlaid with silver, copper, and black compound · Islamic Art

One of the innovations of the Khurasani metalworkers is the development of animated inscriptions, in which parts of letters are transformed into animal or human figures. Here, the tall letters of the inscription on the lid are embellished with human heads. The use of animated inscriptions traveled westward, appearing on metalwork produced in western Iran, Iraq, and Syria, but was never adopted in other media. The body of the inkwell is decorated with the twelve signs of the zodiac.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 13th century

Medium

Brass; cast, inlaid with silver, copper, and black compound

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1959