Middle East - Egyptian Art
From 500 to 1000, Egypt witnesses the struggle between Byzantine, Sasanian, and Arab armies, whose consecutive periods of short-lived rule continue even after the introduction of Islam. By the end of this period, however, Egypt develops from a significant province of the Byzantine empire into an autonomous power, with its capital, Cairo, transformed into one of the most important centers of the medieval world.
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Arch with Running Vines, Leaves, and Fruit
The monastic community at Bawit was originally founded by Apa (Father) Apollo at a small village in the 300s. It grew to consist of numerous complexes with residences, chapels, and service structures and two large churches profusely decorated with sculptures and paintings, often reused from other sites, all affiliated with the Coptic Church. The more important buildings were decorated with courses of sculpted stone freely combining floral and geometric motifs inspired by classical art—rosettes, acanthus leaves, meander patterns—with newer Christian themes. These sculptural elements, demonstrating the Byzantine love of complex patterning and lush textures, were originally vibrantly painted in rich colors like those surviving on textiles.This remarkably well-preserved arch may once have been set over a doorway at the monastery. Pomegranates and other fruits grow from a running vine that terminates on both sides in decorated amphorae, or vases.
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Pendant
Pendant, 11th century; Fatimid Egypt
Gold, cloisonné enamel; 1 3/4 x 1 3/8 in. (4.5 x 3.5 cm)The Theodore M. Davis Collection, Bequest of Theodore M. Davis, 1915 (30.95.37)
Few works with enamels have survived from the early Islamic period. The fabrication of this pendant is typical of Fatimid goldsmiths' craftsmanship: boxlike construction, gold stringing loops, openwork design with a strip support, S-shaped filler elements, and paired twisted wires. The enamels had to be secured to the back with an adhesive after the object was finished.
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Brazier
Brazier, second half of 13th century; Mamluk
Rasulid; Egypt Cast bronze inlaid with silver; H. 13 7/8 in. (35.2 cm), W. 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm), Diam. 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm)
Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891 (91.1.540)
This only surviving Mamluk brazier, one of the best examples of inlaid metalwork, was dedicated to the Rasulid sultan of Yemen, al-Muzaffar ibn cUmar (r. 1250–95). The attribution is confirmed by the presence of the five-petalled rosette, the emblem of the Rasulids. Such braziers were probably used as grills and heaters.
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