Publication Date
Ninth/fifteenth century
Publication Place
-
British Museum
Subject
Engraved brass, originally covered with tin.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الارتفاع 18.4 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
1908.3-28.2
Record ID
object;ISL;uk;Mus01;32;ar
Library Location
British Museum
Date
Ninth/fifteenth century
Notes
Three round brass containers of equal size, which can be stacked one on top of the other, have a lid, the tin layer has now been removed. The box must have originally had metal holders on the sides to hold the parts together. On the edge of each container appear elongated decorative frames containing inscriptions or geometric decorations. They alternate with circular ornaments containing a geometric formation consisting of a repetition of the shape of a Y. A verse from a poem that was common for use on metal pieces dating back to this period was engraved within the decorative frames, which reads, “Whoever admires my beauty will be pleasing to the eye will see me. The perfection of beauty will cover me with garments of meaning.” It appears that a different type of food was placed in each container, the lid was used as a bowl, and it is interesting that even this humble piece was beautifully carved.
Sample Text
Emily Shovelton “Lunch Box” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;uk;Mus01;32;ar
