Pyxis of Zamora
Type:
Pyxides
Date:
964
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Spain
Dimensions:
Height of 17.7 cm and diameter of 11 cm
Description:
This pyxis is linked to the ivory workshop at Madinat al-Zahra'. Its precise date of 964 is taken from the inscription, which also informs readers that it was commissioned by Al-Hakam II (r. 915–76) for Subh, who was his favorite wife. It was designed to hold Subh's jewelry, cosmetics, or perfume containers.
Its overall form preserved the structure of the elephant tusk from which it was created. Doing so gave it more structural integrity than straight-sided ivory caskets. Peacocks, gazelles, and winged motifs are interwoven with foliate forms. The deep relief of the carving and lack of visible tool marks make this pyxis especially luxurious. Ivory pyxides did not exist in the Iberian Peninsula before Umayyad rule.
Its overall form preserved the structure of the elephant tusk from which it was created. Doing so gave it more structural integrity than straight-sided ivory caskets. Peacocks, gazelles, and winged motifs are interwoven with foliate forms. The deep relief of the carving and lack of visible tool marks make this pyxis especially luxurious. Ivory pyxides did not exist in the Iberian Peninsula before Umayyad rule.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
6
Repository and Online Resources:
• The pyxis is now in Madrid's Museo Arqueológico Nacional.
Image Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
