Long-Handled Spoon Inscribed in Arabic with Good Wishes

11th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453

The most interesting and refined patterns of this utilitarian object are the decorative line and the Kufic inscription along the handle near the spoon. The calligraphy gives the name of the craftsman as "Mahmud ibn Muhammad ibn Abi al-Hasan, the engraver." The cup is shallow and worn at its edge suggesting that the spoon was used as a mixing utensil for a large cooking pot.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Long-Handled Spoon Inscribed in Arabic with Good Wishes
Maker: Mahmud ibn Muhammad ibn Abi al-Hasan al-Naqqash
Date: 11th century
Geography: Made in Iran, possibly Khurasan
Medium: High-tin bronze alloy; cast, chased, and drilled
Dimensions: H. 25 1/8 (63.8 cm)
Diam. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
Depth. 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Classification: Metal
Credit Line: Purchase, The Page and Otto Marx Jr. Foundation Gift, Rogers Fund, Eva D. Balamuth and Persian Heritage Foundation Gifts, and funds from various donors, 2002
Object Number: 2002.20
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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