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Double-Sided Tombstone

10th century and dated 646 AH/1248–49 CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 454
This marble tombstone is carved on both sides: on the side on view, a Qur'anic verse (Sura 3:18) is inscribed in robust kufic script, characteristic of the Fatimid period. More than two centuries later, the stone was reused, again as a tomb marker. It was inverted and carved with an inscription that includes a death date of 1248–49, framed within an arch on columns with rosettes in the spandrels and a lamp suspended from its apex.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Double-Sided Tombstone
  • Date: 10th century and dated 646 AH/1248–49 CE
  • Geography: Attributed to Egypt
  • Medium: Marble; carved
  • Dimensions: H. 22 1/16 in. (56 cm)
    W. 15 3/4 in. (40 cm)
    D. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
    Wt. 80 lbs.
  • Classification: Stone
  • Credit Line: Purchase, James and Diane Burke Gift, in honor of Dr. Marilyn Jenkins-Madina, 2010
  • Object Number: 2010.225
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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