Iron Plaque

This panel, together with its matching equivalent MW.129.1999, is a rare example of surviving architectural elements of Baghdad, a city from which almost nothing survived after the Mongol Invasion in 656 AH/1258 CE.
Attached to doors and gates, these rectangular iron plaques embellished and at the same time reflected the function of the building. This openwork plaque contains an inscription against a background of vegetal scrolls: ‘We sent down iron, in which is great strength and profitable use for men’ (Sura 57:25). The sura also refers to justice and the ‘Book and the Balance (of Right and Wrong)’, which may indicate that these plaques were attached to a place of justice.
Through its perforation, this panel casts a delicate shadow when exposed to light.

These two panels are unique and of great importance as they represent very early examples of plaques from Ilkhanid Baghdad.