Double-Sided Tombstone
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
- 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
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.