islamic art-panel-wood-inv.n.3391-purchased Ilyas Khatun-Fatimid 11th century-IM-11090-017

this panel would probably have been mounted originally with others on a door. it is remarkable for ots assured design as well as for its incorporation of different elements. at the base two kidney shaped leaves can still be seen. and in addition to the veined leaves we see addorsed horses' heads. not just the assured carving of the figural elements is impressive but also the transitions between them and the other parts of the design. their ears blend into the upper scroll the reins through their bridles is carried down their manes and both merge into an arabesque below and echo the framing band of another arabesque that runs behind the horses' neck and over the adjacent scroll-islamic art-panel-wood-inv.n.3391-purchased Ilyas Khatun-Fatimid 11th century-IM-11090-017