Carved panels
Wood and modern frame
H: 44-47; W: 19 cm
Anonymous gift in memory of Sally Mayer, President of the Jewish Community of Milan
Accession number:
B64.12.4274
Archaeology/Islamic Art & Archaeology
These panels orginally decorated the Western Fatimid Palace in Cairo. After the palace was destroyed, the Mamluk Sultan Qala'un constructed a hospital (muristan) at the site, reusing the panels in its decoration. The decorative patterns, produced in both high and low relief, depict pairs of animals and birds against a background of scrolls and palmettes. The same patterns also appear on jewelry and other objects.
From the Israel Museum publications:
The Israel Museum, Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2005
