This item has been added to the Database within the Explore Islamic Art Collections project. Information is available in:English, Arabic.

Name of Object:

Pyxis

Location:

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Holding Museum:

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

 About Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

Date of Object:

c. Hegira 800 / c. AD 1400

Museum Inventory Number:

2015.7.20

Material(s) / Technique(s):

Silver-inlaid copper alloy

Dimensions:

Diameter max.: 12cm x 11.7cm

Period / Dynasty:

Mamluk

Provenance:

Egypt / Syria

Description:

Lidded containers, or pyxis, were used to hold writing instruments and other objects of value. The monumental inscription wrapped around this brass container is a dedication to an officer of a Mamluk sultan. Although it does not mention the person's name, it declares that they are “His exalted Excellency, the Possessor, the Holy Warrior, the Diligent, the High, the Just, the Defender”.

How Object was obtained:

It was owned by Manuel Peiruza, based in Barcelona and London. He was a prominent collector of Chinese ceramics, Spanish pottery and Islamic metalwork. After the recession of 2007 he decided to sell his collection of 55 Islamic metalwork to IAMM through Amir Mohtashemi.

Selected bibliography:

Heba Nayel Barakat, Introduction to Islamic Arts - Calligraphy from the Collection of Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur: IAMM Publications, 2008: 72-73.

Citation of this web page:

 "Pyxis" in Explore Islamic Art Collections. Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;EPM;my;Mus21;18;en


MWNF Working Number: MY1 18