Tickets
English
DonateMembershipTickets

Head of a Central Asian Figure

12th–13th century
Not on view
This head belonged to a full figure most likely representing a royal attendant (courtier, vizier, or amir) or guard. Similar images have been found in wall paintings of the reception hall of palatine complexes, typically flanking or facing the enthronement area. In their regality and power, suggested on this head by the jeweled headdress, they conveyed the very essence of rulership and authority in the visual arts of the Great Seljuqs and their successor states.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Head of a Central Asian Figure
  • Date: 12th–13th century
  • Geography: Country of Origin Iran
  • Medium: Gypsum plaster; modeled, carved
  • Dimensions: H. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
    W. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
    D. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm)
    Wt. 37.5 oz. (1063.2 g)
  • Classification: Stucco-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2014
  • Object Number: 2014.529
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Luster Bowl with Winged Horse, Stonepaste; luster-painted on opaque monochrome glaze
Luster Bowl with Winged Horse
late 12th century
Head of a Central Asian Figure in a Pointed Cap, Gypsum plaster; modeled, carved
Head of a Central Asian Figure in a Pointed Cap
12th–early 13th century
"Jonah and the Whale", Folio Probably from a Jami al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Chronicles), Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
"Jonah and the Whale", Folio Probably from a Jami al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Chronicles)
ca. 1400
Standing Figure with Jeweled Headdress, Gypsum plaster; modeled, carved, polychrome-painted, gilded
Standing Figure with Jeweled Headdress
12th–early 13th century
Standing Figure with Feathered Headdress, Gypsum plaster; modeled, carved, polychrome-painted, gilded
Standing Figure with Feathered Headdress
12th–early 13th century

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

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 contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.

Send feedback

Content Notice

The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world, and our online collection reflects ongoing work conducted over the course of our more than 150-year history. You may encounter objects or images that may be inappropriate for some viewers or information that may be outdated.