Panel
There are two panels of this design; mirror images of each other (07.236.66 and 07.236.67). They were probably part of the the same object, with other geometric elements filling in the negative space created between the two pieces. The craftsman deliberately used a darker wood for the inlay, both carved and unadorned, to heighten the contrast with the ivory. Apart from the more elaborate arabesque in the ivory, the four-sided wood inlay is carved with a simple tendril. Also worth noting is the way in which the plain ivory strips are laid out to give the impression of two intertwined stars. Similar elements of design are seen in another panel in the collection (07.236.101).
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.