<em>Upper Cover from an Unidentified Manuscript</em>, ca. 13th century. Wood, color, semiprecious stones, 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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1997.59.2_transp4574.jpg)

Upper Cover from an Unidentified Manuscript

Medium: Wood, color, semiprecious stones

Geograhical Locations:

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:

Accession Number: 1997.59.2

Image: 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 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.

Brooklyn Museum