Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Fragment of Wall Hanging with Eagle
Not on view
Animals generally appear on secular works in the Islamic era. These textile fragments picture animals displayed in profile against sharply contrasting backgrounds. The stylized, geometricized forms of the animals and plants are framed by bands of linear and geometric ornament. Animals like these were often combined with inscriptions.
A brightly colored eagle appears above two bands of double pearls that frame images of stemmed cups on this wall hanging. Complete works like this were widely used for comfort and insulation in the Islamic world where furniture was rare. The elite used them to show off their wealth and status.
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