Vine Scrolls
Plaque
ca. 4th century to 5th century (made)
ca. 4th century to 5th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This bone plaque carved in relief was intended for application to a casket. It is Coptic Egyptian, probably from the 4th or 5th century (Coptic / late Antique).
Coptic refers to the Copts, which are Christian Egyptians with ancient origins dating back to the first century.
Similar carvings, many of which follow the more or less convex curve of the bone, have been found in great quantities, chiefly in the district of Alexandria. The figure subjects are usually taken from mythology and are similar to those on textiles, but occasionally biblical scenes occur. The carvings were probably used in the decoration of wooden caskets.
Coptic refers to the Copts, which are Christian Egyptians with ancient origins dating back to the first century.
Similar carvings, many of which follow the more or less convex curve of the bone, have been found in great quantities, chiefly in the district of Alexandria. The figure subjects are usually taken from mythology and are similar to those on textiles, but occasionally biblical scenes occur. The carvings were probably used in the decoration of wooden caskets.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Vine Scrolls (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Carved bone in relief |
| Brief description | Plaque, carved bone, Egypt, Coptic, ca. 4th or 5th century |
| Physical description | Rectangular and of slightly curved section; the stem springs from a low plinth at the base; the right lower corner, part of the right edge and the upper part of the plaque are broken away. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Object history | Intended for applying to a casket. Acquired in Paris. |
| Historical context | Similar carvings, many of which follow the more or less convex curve of the bone, have been found in great quantities, chiefly in the district of Alexandria. The figure subjects are usually taken from mythology and are similar to those on textiles, but occasionally biblical scenes occur. The carvings were probably used in the decoration of wooden caskets. |
| Production | Coptic |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This bone plaque carved in relief was intended for application to a casket. It is Coptic Egyptian, probably from the 4th or 5th century (Coptic / late Antique). Coptic refers to the Copts, which are Christian Egyptians with ancient origins dating back to the first century. Similar carvings, many of which follow the more or less convex curve of the bone, have been found in great quantities, chiefly in the district of Alexandria. The figure subjects are usually taken from mythology and are similar to those on textiles, but occasionally biblical scenes occur. The carvings were probably used in the decoration of wooden caskets. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 831-1905 |
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| Record created | December 12, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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