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Vessel with Pierced Designs

ca. 700
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 451
Bronze was used extensively in the early Islamic period. Judging from the pierced decoration, this object might have been part of a lamp or an incense burner, its pierced surfaces perfect for allowing light and scented smoke to pass through. The exterior is decorated with a horizontal band with alternating, interlacing roundels containing birds and stylized plants. The bottom also features stylized plant designs arranged radially.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Vessel with Pierced Designs
  • Date: ca. 700
  • Geography: Attributed to Syria
  • Medium: Bronze; pierced and chased
  • Dimensions: H. 2 5/8 in. (6.6 cm)
    Diam. 4 5/8 in. (11.8 cm)
  • Classification: Metal
  • Credit Line: Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art , and Rogers Fund, 1993
  • Object Number: 1993.319
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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