This item has been added to the Database within the Explore Islamic Art Collections project. Information is available in: English, Arabic.
Casket
Copenhagen, Denmark
The David Collection
About The David Collection, Copenhagen
Hegira c. 355–358 / AD c. 966–968
Inv.no. 5/2002
Carved ivory with gilt-bronze fittings
Umayyad of al-Andalus, Caliphate period
Spain, Cordoba
The ivory casket belongs to a little group of masterfully carved ivory objects, made for the Spanish Umayyad court. The casket is the largest in the group, carved from a single tusk. It is also one of the most monumental.
There was once an Arabic inscription around the lid, undoubtedly removed when the casket - like so many of its kind - found a new place in a Christian context in the Middle Ages.
"Casket" in Explore Islamic Art Collections. Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;EPM;dn;Mus21;7;en
MWNF Working Number: DN 07
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Islamic Dynasties / Period
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