Artwork Page for Tray Portraying Courtly Pleasures

Details / Information for Tray Portraying Courtly Pleasures

Tray Portraying Courtly Pleasures

1240s

Syria, Ayyubid period

(1171–1260)
Medium
sheet brass inlaid with silver
Measurements
Diameter: 53.8 cm (21 3/16 in.); Overall: 5.8 cm (2 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1945.386
Public Domain
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Location
116 Islamic
Print

Description

This tray features images of courtly life interspersed with astronomical symbols. The scenes contained within large multilobed medallions display an enthroned prince with lions at his feet, a banquet, a hunt, dancers, and musicians. Contained within the concentric circles there are also references to solar and lunar motifs, including figures holding sunbursts and lunar crescents. This tray is made of a single sheet of brass and the silver inlay, which is best preserved on the tray’s inner curve, suggests its original brilliance.
A circular brass tray features intricate silver inlays that shimmer against the golden surface. A central medallion depicts seated figures, surrounded by a band of lobed medallions containing musicians and attendants among scrolling vines. A continuous procession of tiny figures circles the raised inner rim. Dense floral patterns fill the background, creating a highly textured design where bright silver pops against the warm, aged brass.

Tray Portraying Courtly Pleasures

1240s

Syria, Ayyubid period (1171–1260)

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