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Inscription Plaque, Possibly from a Door

c. 1693
(1501–1722)
forged steel, cut to shape and pierced
Overall: 27 x 35 cm (10 5/8 x 13 3/4 in.)
Weight: 480 g (1.06 lbs.)
Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund 1994.1
Location: 116 Islamic
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Calligraphy was the supreme art form in the Islamic world.

Description

This pierced steel plaque is said to have adorned the royal tomb of Shah Suleyman II (reigned 1666–93). The Qur’anic inscription reads: “Verily, God and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet” (33:56). Steel plaques of this type required great skill to manufacture. Because of the steel’s tensile strength and durability, artists were able to create elaborate openwork plaques like this one to decorate the doors of mausolea and mosques.
Inscription Plaque, Possibly from a Door

Inscription Plaque, Possibly from a Door

c. 1693

Iran, Safavid period (1501–1722)

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