

Panel with horse heads, Fatimid period (909–1171), 11th century
Egypt
Wood (teak); carved
Egypt
Wood (teak); carved
L. 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm), W. 8 15/16 in. (22.7 cm), D. 11/16 in. (1.7 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1911 (11.205.2)
This panel, probably from a wooden door, is deeply carved with two horse heads in relief. Attention to detail is evident in the beaded bands and bridles amid arabesques. The piece was carved to different depths in order to produce a pleasing chiaroscuro effect, a technique mastered by Fatimid woodworkers. A companion piece, almost certainly from the same door, is in the Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo.







