Star-Shaped Plaque

Muhammad Talib Gilani

first half 16th century · Ivory; carved with traces of pigment · Islamic Art

This carved ivory plaque bears the signature of an otherwise unknown craftsman, Muhammad Talib Gilani. The plaque most likely comes from the cenotaph of Shah Isma'il I, which is believed to have been commissioned for his tomb in the Ardabil Shrine by his widow, Tajlu Khanum, or by his son, Shah Tahmasp. The opulent inlaid wood decoration of the cenotaph includes ivory, ebony, and strips of bone or ivory tinted in a variety of colors.

Artist

Muhammad Talib Gilani

Date

first half 16th century

Medium

Ivory; carved with traces of pigment

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Jack A. Josephson Gift, 1972