AN ISLAMIC MIHRAB STONE WITH KUFIC CALLIGRAPHY, CENTRAL ASIA, 11TH - 13TH CENTURIES

AN ISLAMIC MIHRAB STONE WITH KUFIC CALLIGRAPHY, CENTRAL ASIA, 11TH - 13TH CENTURIES

The piece features a trilobed or scalloped arched top above a central deep set pointed arch niche. Surrounding this central niche is a broad band of ornate Kufic calligraphy. The script is of the floriated or knotted variety with vertical terminals ending in foliate flourishes and interlacing knots. At the base of the calligraphic arch on either side are carved geometric interlaced motifs within rectangular panels. The entire decorative program is set upon a plain stippled rectangular base. The reverse of the stone is flat and roughly hewn indicating it was designed to be set into masonry.

41 by 39cm