Star-Shaped Plaque 1500 - 1550

Editor: This Star-Shaped Plaque, dating from 1500-1550, is housed here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is exquisitely carved. It gives off such a peaceful vibe; all of the little, carved flowers make me feel happy. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's more than just decoration; the star itself carries centuries of symbolic weight, particularly in Islamic art. Do you see how the geometric pattern radiates outwards from the central inscription? Editor: I do, and I’m guessing that it has significance. The whole thing seems so meticulously planned out, as if the artist needed to follow a code, right? Curator: Exactly. The twelve-pointed star symbolizes perfection, completion and divine presence. The vegetal patterns weaving around the star points evoke paradise, promising spiritual elevation. But the inscription, that's where it gets truly profound. Editor: Can you tell me what it means? Curator: The inscription is of great importance, serving almost like a seal of sorts. It could possibly be a dedication. Consider its placement. Doesn’t it act as an invocation or a blessing, infusing the object, and potentially the space it occupied, with sacred power? It really gives visual form to deep, cultural beliefs. Editor: That’s fascinating. I’m realizing there’s a whole visual language at play that I didn’t pick up on. Curator: Indeed. Once we learn to recognize it, we see these visual symbols continue to hold their potency throughout different periods of history. Editor: This plaque is beautiful and I definitely appreciate how intricate the carving is now, but knowing how rich in symbols it is really makes it come alive. Thanks so much!