Byzantine ivories were highly prized in the West, where they were considered rare and exotic treasures. This plaque was created in the eleventh century in Spain. But it prominently features an ivory made in Constantinople some one hundred years before. Originally, the ivory would have served as the central panel of a triptych. Here, it has been reset into an elaborate frame. Thin strips of silver have been applied to the gilded silver surface to create a scrolling floral pattern. Small pieces of colored glass are mounted to simulate precious stones. Just to the right of the ivory panel appears a small sapphire sealstone. It’s inscribed in Arabic with four of the ninety-nine Islamic names of God. The book cover was probably commissioned by Felicia, queen of Aragon and Navarre. Its sumptuous materials—both foreign and local, genuine and simulated—epitomize medieval ideas of luxury.