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Pyxis of al-MughiraPyxis of al-Mughira © RMN-Grand Palais/Art Resource, NY

Pyxis of al-Mughira

Umayyad. c. 968 C.E. Ivory.

Curator Note

"A luxury container carved from a single elephant tusk. It was a coming-of-age gift for al-Mughira, the younger son of a Caliph. The intricate carving portrays four medallions with scenes of royal leisure and power (hunting, music), serving as a political message about lineage and legitimacy."

Form

  • Cylindrical box with a hemispherical lid.
  • Carved from solid ivory.
  • Deep relief carving with high detail.
  • Four eight-lobed medallions.
  • Kufic script inscription around the rim.

Function

  • A container for aromatics/perfumes.
  • A gift for the prince al-Mughira (son of Caliph).
  • Political propaganda asserting Umayyad legitimacy.
  • Display of courtly wealth.
  • To hold cosmetics.

Content

  • Medallion 1: Two men collecting eggs from falcons (symbol of legitimacy).
  • Medallion 2: Lute player and figures with fans (court life).
  • Lions attacking bulls: symbol of victory/power.
  • Inscription: blessings for al-Mughira.
  • Vegetal motifs (arabesques) filling space.

Context

  • Created in the royal workshops of Madinat al-Zahra.
  • Ivory was a highly prized, durable material.
  • Islamic art generally avoids figures in religious contexts, but this is secular.
  • The Umayyads were rivals to the Abbasids in Baghdad.
  • Al-Mughira was eventually executed.