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Inkwell with Zodiac Signs

early 13th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453
One of the innovations of the Khurasani metalworkers is the development of animated inscriptions, in which parts of letters are transformed into animal or human figures. Here, the tall letters of the inscription on the lid are embellished with human heads. The use of animated inscriptions traveled westward, appearing on metalwork produced in western Iran, Iraq, and Syria, but was never adopted in other media. The body of the inkwell is decorated with the twelve signs of the zodiac.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Inkwell with Zodiac Signs
  • Date: early 13th century
  • Geography: Attributed to probably Iran
  • Medium: Brass; cast, inlaid with silver, copper, and black compound
  • Dimensions: H. 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm)
    H. w/o lid: 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm)
    Diam. 4 9/16 in. (11.6 cm)
  • Classification: Metal
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1959
  • Object Number: 59.69.2a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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