Bookbinding Element
The size, shape and patterning of this metal plaque echoes the form of medallions which decorate the flap of some bookbindings. It is ornamented with carefully incised scrolling vines and cloud band designs- arabesque forms that can be found in a wide variety of arts from Safavid Iran and Ottoman Turkey.
This metal element may have served to ornament a belt, or as a hardware clasp for a portable object, such as a small box.
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