Suspension Bracket

Image credit: The Khalili Collections

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

This suspension bracket could well have been from a large, freestanding quadrant, sextant or astrolabe in an astronomical observatory. Its design recalls the very similar but smaller bracket on the geomantic plate made by Muhammad ibn Khutlugh al-Mawsili, dated 639 AH (1241–1242 AD), now in the British Museum. The bracket is decorated with openwork arabesques, the curves of which are strongly reminiscent of the gaping jaws of dragons. The piece is very finely made and was intended to be seen from both the front and the back because the finish on both sides is equally refined. It bears the engraved signature of its maker, Shakir ibn Ahmad.

The Khalili Collections

London

Title

Suspension Bracket

Date

13th C

Medium

brass, cast in openwork & engraved

Accession number

236

Work type

Sculpture

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

The Khalili Collections

London, Greater London England

View venue