Cleveland Museum of Art

Luxury Inlaid Container

Date

c. 1250–1350

Medium

sheet brass, inlaid with silver and gold

Culture

Northern Iraq, Ayyubid period

Department

Islamic Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Metalwork flourished in the 1200s with production centers in Mosul, Damascus, and eastern Anatolia. Along with this container, the nearby ewer and candlestick are examples of the superb pieces produced at this time. Scenes of court life, including banqueting, music, and enthroned figures, decorate the sides and top of the container. The lid is covered in hexagonal swastikas, an ancient solar motif, which is further enhanced by a large sunburst in the center. The calligraphic inscriptions extend wishes for a long life, prosperity, and patience to the owner.

The authoritative record is held by Cleveland Museum of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.