Plaque

Unknown

17th century · Steel; cut · Islamic Art

This pierced steel plaque contains an inscription in fluid nasta‘liq script against a background of vegetal scrolls, which praises the Prophet, his daughter Fatima, and the Twelve Shi‘i Imams (the Chahardah Ma‘sum, or Fourteen Infallibles). The openwork casts a delicate shadow as light filters through its perforations. Similar plaques were placed on entryway doors surrounding the cenotaphs of holy personages in Shi‘i shrines in Iran.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Steel; cut

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, Elizabeth S. Ettinghausen Gift, in memory of Richard Ettinghausen, funds from various donors, Josephine L. Berger-Nadler and Ehsan Yarshater Gifts, 2011