made in Cairo, Egypt
This leaf from a wooden pulpit door was made in Cairo in Egypt. It probably dates from the 15th century. The method of panel-based construction used here involves small interlocking pieces of wood set into raised wooden mouldings. This system allows wood to expand and contract according to variations in temperature and humidity.
The door has wooden beading in a geometrical pattern with carved and inlaid ivory and ebony arabesques and scrollwork. Above and below the central area, there is a small calligraphic panel with tall Arabic letters. The overall geometric pattern of this panel was very popular in Egypt at the time and similar designs can be found on contemporary book bindings and manuscript illuminations.
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