About the Artwork
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.
Element from an Inlaid Door
1300's
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Egyptian
Islamic
Ivory or bone, softwood, and ebony
Overall: 3 1/4 × 5 3/8 × 5/8 inches (8.3 × 13.7 × 1.6 cm)
Carving
Islamic Art
Gift of Kirkor Minassian
27.593
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Markings
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Provenance
Kirkor Minassian, Esq.
1927-present, gift to the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)
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Suggest FeedbackPublished References
Henshaw, Julia P., ed. A Visitors Guide: The Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit 1995), p. 124 (ill.).
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Credit Line for Reproduction
Islamic, Egyptian, Element from an Inlaid Door, 1300's, ivory or bone, softwood, and ebony. Detroit Institute of Arts, Gift of Kirkor Minassian, 27.593.
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