Scribe's Box

Scribe's Box

Public Domain

Scribe's Box
CultureSpanish
Titles
  • Scribe's Box
Datelate 15th century
MediumWood; inlaid with bone and metal; pigments
Dimensions9 3/4 × 21 1/2 × 12 1/2 in. (24.8 × 54.6 × 31.8 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by the 2010 Art of the Islamic Worlds Gala
Object number2010.224
Current Location
The Caroline Wiess Law Building
113 Islamic Art Gallery
On view

Explore Further

Department
Art of the Islamic Worlds
Object Type
DescriptionThis scribe’s box is an extraordinary example of luxury woodwork production in Spain under the Nasrid dynasty (r. 1232–1492). It
follows a tradition of wood inlay in geometric patterns that can be seen on a variety of objects, including mosque pulpits (minbar),
doors, and chests to house Qur’an manuscripts. The Nasrids, best known for their luxurious palace in the citadel of the Alhambra in
Granada, were the last Islamic dynasty to rule Spain before the Christian Reconquista, of the Iberian Peninsula in 1492.
ProvenanceDon Jose Moragas Pomar, Barcelona; purchased by MFAH, 2010.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

Barbat Lute
Barbat Lute
late 19th–early 20th century
Wood; inlaid with ebony, mother of pearl, and ivory or bone
2010.223
Egg
David Ellsworth
Egg
1988
Claro walnut burl
2010.1824
Nasir al-Din Shah Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
Nasir al-Din Shah Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.16
Shah or King Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
Shah or King Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.2
Bibi or Queen Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
Bibi or Queen Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.1
As or Ace Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
As or Ace Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.6
As or Ace Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
As or Ace Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.3
As or Ace Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
As or Ace Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.4
Serbaz or Soldier Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
Serbaz or Soldier Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.7
Shah or King Playing Card for the Game of Nas
Shah or King Playing Card for the Game of Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.8
Lakat or Dancer Playing Card for the Game of Nas
Lakat or Dancer Playing Card for the Game of Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.11
Set of 16 Playing Cards for the Game of As Nas
Set of 16 Playing Cards for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.1-.16