Islamic Openwork Vessel in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, November 2010

Vessel, ca. 700
Syria
Bronze, pierced and chased, openwork design
2 5/8 x 4 5/8 in. (6.6 x 11.8 cm)
Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art and Rogers Fund, 1993 (1993.319)

Bronze was used extensively in the early Islamic period in Syria. Judging from the pierced decoration, this object might have been part of a lamp or an incense burner. The side is decorated with a horizontal band with alternating interlaced roundels containing a bird or a stylized plant. The bottom consists of stylized plant designs arranged radially.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1993.319