Collections: Asian Art: Upper Cover from an Unidentified Manuscript

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Upper Cover from an Unidentified Manuscript

• Medium: Wood, color, semiprecious stones A central rectangular field is divided by long diagonal lines intersecting to form alternating diamond and trapezoidal shapes. At the center are three diamond shapes and two triangles, and eight unpainted trapezoids. There are five alternating gold gold and silver triangles at the top and five at the bottom. Each painted component is carved in low relief with an abstract scroll and jewel design. The central field is surrounded by a wide painted green border of scrolling vegetation detailed with yellow, red, and black, emanating from two makaras, in the center of the lower border, who look skyward with their trunks thrown back, and two birds, above, who stare sternly at each other. The jewel-encrusted effect on this precisely designed cover is enhanced by the inclusion of turquoise and coral beads, inlaid in the central diamond. The narrow side edges of the panel are decorated with a jewel and a scroll motif at one end and an animal face at the other. Arrived with its own metal mount. From Accession Card
• Place Made: Tibet
• Dates: ca. 13th century
• Dimensions: 7 1/8 x 28 1/2 x 1 in. (72.4 x 18.0 x 2.5 cm)
• Collections: Asian Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Asian Galleries, Southeast Asian Art, 2nd Floor
• Accession Number: 1997.59.2
• Credit Line: Gift of the Asian Art Council
• Image: Overall, 1997.59.2_transp4574.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Upper Cover from an Unidentified Manuscript, ca. 13th century. Wood, color, semiprecious stones A central rectangular field is divided by long diagonal lines intersecting to form alternating diamond and trapezoidal shapes. At the center are three diamond shapes and two triangles, and eight unpainted trapezoids. There are five alternating gold gold and silver triangles at the top and five at the bottom. Each painted component is carved in low relief with an abstract scroll and jewel design. The central field is surrounded by a wide painted green border of scrolling vegetation detailed with yellow, red, and black, emanating from two makaras, in the center of the lower border, who look skyward with their trunks thrown back, and two birds, above, who stare sternly at each other. The jewel-encrusted effect on this precisely designed cover is enhanced by the inclusion of turquoise and coral beads, inlaid in the central diamond. The narrow side edges of the panel are decorated with a jewel and a scroll motif at one end and an animal face at the other. Arrived with its own metal mount. From Accession Card, 7 1/8 x 28 1/2 x 1 in. (72.4 x 18.0 x 2.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Asian Art Council, 1997.59.2 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1997.59.2_transp4574.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: A central rectangular field is divided by long diagonal lines intersecting to form alternating diamond and trapezoidal shapes. At the center are three diamond shapes and two triangles, and eight unpainted trapezoids. There are five alternating gold gold and silver triangles at the top and five at the bottom. Each painted component is carved in low relief with an abstract scroll and jewel design. The central field is surrounded by a wide painted green border of scrolling vegetation detailed with yellow, red, and black, emanating from two makaras, in the center of the lower border, who look skyward with their trunks thrown back, and two birds, above, who stare sternly at each other. The jewel-encrusted effect on this precisely designed cover is enhanced by the inclusion of turquoise and coral beads, inlaid in the central diamond. The narrow side edges of the panel are decorated with a jewel and a scroll motif at one end and an animal face at the other.