Bookbinding Element

Unknown

16th century · Copper; cast · Islamic Art

The size, shape and patterning of this metal plaque echoes the form of medallions which decorate the flap of some bookbindings. It is ornamented with carefully incised scrolling vines and cloud band designs- arabesque forms that can be found in a wide variety of arts from Safavid Iran and Ottoman Turkey. This metal element may have served to ornament a belt, or as a hardware clasp for a portable object, such as a small box.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th century

Medium

Copper; cast

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Kraus Gift, 1976