Pattern Block

12th century
Not on view
This engraved block was employed for leather tooling. Leather–widely used in the Islamic world for daily objects, bookbindings, quivers, etc.– was gently hammered on the slate in order to impress the designs in positive relief. In this example, the main decorative pattern–the motif of animated scrolls–became popular in twelfth-century Iran.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pattern Block
  • Date: 12th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran
  • Medium: Stone (slate); carved
  • Dimensions: H. 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm)
    W. 9 in. (22.9 cm)
  • Classification: Stone
  • Credit Line: Gift of Stora Art Gallery, 1932
  • Object Number: 32.139
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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