COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
MMA_.1970.234.5
AMICA Library Year:
2002
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Description:
The pyxis (round box) cut from the cross-section of an elephant's tusk, was a well-known form of ivory object in the Mediterranean area. The missing lid of this example, shaped as a low dome with a finial on top, would likely have had an inscription on it, perhaps giving a date or the name of the owner of the piece. Used principally in a secular context, in the Islamic world pyxides, call ushnan in Arabic, contained precious aromatics such as musk, camphor, and ambergris.
Creator Nationality:
European; Iberian; Spanish; Andalusian
Creator Dates/Places:
Spanish; Made in Andalusia
Creator Name-CRT:
Caliphal
Title:
Pyxis
View:
Principal view
Creation Date:
10th century (950?975)
Creation Start Date:
900
Creation End Date:
999
Materials and Techniques:
Ivory
Style or Period:
Caliphal
Dimensions:
H. 4 5/8 in. (11.8 cm), Diam. 4 1/8 in. (10.6 cm)
AMICA Contributor:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location:
New York, New York
ID Number:
1970.234.5
Credit Line:
The Cloisters Collection, 1970
Copyright:
Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved.
Related Image Identifier Link:
MMA_.h1_1970.234.5.tif
