Writing Box

Unknown

late 16th–early 17th century · Wood; veneered with ebony, inlaid with ivory and bone (partially stained), brass (sadeli technique) · Islamic Art

The surfaces of this writing box are veneered with ebony and inlaid with ivory and sadeli, a type of micromosaic in use since antiquity. It is associated with the eastern Mediterranean region, from where it spread to Iran and India. This technique consists of binding together sections of diverse materials (tin, wood, ivory, bone, etc.), which are sliced transversally and formed into thin sheets of repeating patterns that are adhered to a wooden support.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Wood; veneered with ebony, inlaid with ivory and bone (partially stained), brass (sadeli technique)

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Pat and John Rosenwald Gift, 2004