The Ayyubid tradition for inlaid, carved wood doors, cenotaphs (funerary monuments), and minibars (pulpits) was continued under the Mamluks and refined with the addition of carved ivory inlays set into precious woods. Polygonal, star-shaped elements were cut and carved separately to be later assembled into large compositions based on geometric patterns with radiating stars.

This polygonal ivory plaque (one of three in the collection), is characteristic of the fully developed style of Mamluk carving. A beaded trefoil medallion is set against graceful floral scrolls with split leaves. The plaque would have formed a point in a star pattern, part of a larger composition used to adorn a door or pulpit.