Mirror

12th century

Not on view

This small mirror, despite its fragmentary, worn condition, has preserved its benedictory kufic inscription that surrounds a bird with open wings and haloed head. Scholars have interpreted the central image of this mirror as Zeus – metamorphosed into an eagle – carrying away his beloved Ganymede (referring to the Greek mythology) or the prince Zal carried away by the Simurgh (referring to the Persian national epic the Shahnama, the Book of Kings). The human figure is not recognizable on this mirror and it is possible that only an eagle or other bird of prey is depicted. Stylistically and iconographically such birds were popular in the medieval eastern Islamic world, where they conveyed means of royalty, power and protection.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Mirror
Date: 12th century
Geography: Made in probably Afghanistan
Medium: Bronze; cast
Dimensions: D. 3/16 in. (0.5 cm)
Diam. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
Wt. 1.9 oz. (53.9 g)
Classification: Metal
Credit Line: Gift of Dr. Maurice S. Dimand, in memory of his wife, Avis, 1976
Object Number: 1976.158.2
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

High-Tin Bronze Bowl, Abu Nasr al-Naqqash, High-tin bronze; cast, chased, punched, engraved — High-Tin Bronze Bowl
Abu Nasr al-Naqqash
11th century

Incense Burner of Amir Saif al-Dunya wa’l-Din ibn Muhammad al-Mawardi, Ja`far ibn Muhammad ibn `Ali, Bronze; cast, engraved, chased, pierced — Incense Burner of Amir Saif al-Dunya wa’l-Din ibn Muhammad al-Mawardi
Ja`far ibn Muhammad ibn `Ali
dated 577 AH/1181–82 CE

Astrolabe of ‘Umar ibn Yusuf ibn ‘Umar ibn ‘Ali ibn Rasul al-Muzaffari, ‘Umar ibn Yusuf ibn ‘Umar ibn ‘Ali ibn Rasul al-Muzaffari Yemini, Brass; cast and hammered, pierced, chased, inlaid with silver — Astrolabe of ‘Umar ibn Yusuf ibn ‘Umar ibn ‘Ali ibn Rasul al-Muzaffari
‘Umar ibn Yusuf ibn ‘Umar ibn ‘Ali ibn Rasul al-Muzaffari
dated 690 AH/1291 CE

Ewer, Brass; raised, repoussé, inlaid with silver and a black compound — Ewer
ca. 1180–1210

Folio from a Qur'an Manuscript, Ink, gold, and watercolor on paper — Folio from a Qur'an Manuscript
dated 531 AH/1137 CE

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.