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Plaque Decorated with Stylized Vine Scroll and a Deer

8th century

Not on view

Carvings on ivory or bone were often used in the eastern Mediterranean as attachments for furniture and other objects. These plaques, which vary in style, reflect the continuation of Byzantine vine patterns into the early Islamic era. Most are carved on a vertical axis and are at times inhabited by animals. Oriented horizontally, this plaque’s vine scroll is animated by the deer turning its head over its shoulder.

Plaque Decorated with Stylized Vine Scroll and a Deer, Carved bone — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Plaque Decorated with Stylized Vine Scroll and a Deer

Date: 8th century

Geography: Made in Egypt or Syria

Medium: Carved bone

Dimensions: 1 11/16 x 4 7/16 in. (4.3 x 11.3 cm)

Classification: Ivories-Bone

Credit Line: Benaki Museum, Athens (10450)

Object Number: isl469

The Met

Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.