Tray Stand

Museum of Islamic Art

Currently not on display

Title:: Tray Stand

Production place:: Syria
Date:: 1250 - 1299
Period:: Ayyubid

Material:: Brass, Silver, Black compound, Solder
Technique:: Hammering, Engraving, Inlaying, Chasing, Soldering
Dimensions:: 24.8 cm
Diameter:: 25.6 cm

This spectacular tray stand, made of sheet brass inlaid with silver, has a decorative scheme devoted entirely to glorifying the (unnamed) ruler for whom it was made. On the body, among other scenes, is the monarch between two pairs of servants, seated on a throne with lions below and winged angels above. Above and below this are astrological symbols, thus showing the ruler not only as an earthly but also a heavenly power.