Panel from a Cenotaph or Symbolic Coffin with Marquetry Decoration

Object Name:
Panel
Date:
second half 8th century
Geography:
probably Egypt
Medium:
Wood (fig); mosaic with bone and four different types of wood
Dimensions:
H. 18 3/4 in. (47.6 cm) W. 76. 1/2 in. (194.3 cm) Mount: H. 24 1/2 in. W. 80 1/2 in. D. 6 in. Wt. 97 lbs. (44 kg) with mount and plexi
Classification:
Wood
Credit Line:
Samuel D. Lee Fund, 1937
Accession Number:
37.103
  • Description

    The most complete surviving example of its kind, this panel most likely comes from a side of a cenotaph. It shows clear similarities to the carved decoration of a group of panels found at the 'Ain al‑Sira cemetery in Egypt. It incorporates decorative elements from both the Late Antique and Sasanian traditions. The geometric motifs derive directly from Roman mosaics, whereas the winglike designs in the arch spandrels are of Sasanian derivation.

  • Provenance

    [ Paul Mallon, Paris, until 1937; sold to MMA]

140006486

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