The Collection
The American Wing Ancient Near Eastern Art Arms and Armor The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing Asian Art The Cloisters The Costume Institute Drawings and Prints Egyptian Art European Paintings European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Greek and Roman Art Islamic Art Robert Lehman Collection The Libraries Medieval Art Musical Instruments Photographs Antonio Ratti Textile Center Modern and Contemporary Art

Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

Tombstone of Ism‘ail ibn ‘Abd al-Salam ibn Sawwar

9th century

Not on view

The elaborate floriated Kufic inscription contains the name of the deceased, Ism‘ail ibn ‘Abd al Salam ibn Sawwar, and a profession of faith. The pointed arch supported by columns framing the text is similar in form to mihrabs in mosques, which direct the prayers of the faithful toward Mecca. The scrolling vine at the top is a further development of the vine scrolls of the Byzantine tradition.

Tombstone of Ism‘ail ibn ‘Abd al-Salam ibn Sawwar, Marble — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Tombstone of Ism‘ail ibn ‘Abd al-Salam ibn Sawwar

Date: 9th century

Geography: Made in Egypt

Medium: Marble

Dimensions: 28 1/8 x 11 x 1 9/16 in. (71.5 x 28 x 4 cm)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Benaki Museum, Athens (10783)

Accession Number: isl481

The Met

Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.