Calligraphic wooden panel

Title
Calligraphic wooden panel
Year/Period
18th-19th centuries
Region
Morroco, North Africa
Dimension
Object size: L87.3cm x H164cm x W2.7cm
Accession No.
1999-00212-003

This wooden panel is part of a set of 3 panels, probably fragments from a wooden door. Painted with polychrome colours, some parts are highlighted with inlays of silver sheet, which are slightly tarnished. Each panel is decorated with a mihrab (prayer niche) arch shape framed by a calligraphic border on three sides. The cursive inscriptions are written over a background of scrolling arabesque (stylized plant motif). The mihrab arch is quite a popular motif in North Africa. The border inscriptions contain benedictory inscriptions, for example, "Mirth and Joy in all affairs,Happiness and wholesomeness,and the attainment of desires...Glory and attainment of desires."These panels were probably used in a home.