Title: Casket
Date: late 12th or early 13th century AD
Location: Iran, Khurasan
Materials: brass or quaternary copper alloy, piece cast, engraved, ringmatted and inlaid with silver, copper and a black compound
Dimensions: 36.5 x 24cm
Accession Number: MTW 1266
Other Notes:
The slightly tapering body is decorated with bands of inscription and medallions enclosing the signs of the zodiac (represented conventionally, except for Sagittarius, which is shown as a harpy) in groups of three. The inscriptions are all benedictory, praying for blessings upon an unnamed owner. At the centre of the lid is a handsome finial in the form of a bulbous pointed dome, surmounted by a stylised Buddhist lotus and a hawk or a dove.
Bibliography:
J.M. Rogers, The Arts of Islam. Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection, London 2010, cat.104, p.97.
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