Curator Close-Up: “Glory of Spain” Ancient Ivory Pyxis March 24, 2020
Khalaf, Pyxis, c. 966, ivory with chased and nielloed silver-gilt mounts, the Hispanic Society of America.
Khalaf, Pyxis, c. 966, ivory with chased and nielloed silver-gilt mounts, the Hispanic Society of America.
This ancient pyxis is one of 200 objects featured in the traveling exhibition Glory of Spain: Treasures from the Hispanic Society Museum & Library.
The exquisite, lidded container is sculpted out of ivory and dates to the mid-10th century during the reign of the Umayyad dynasty in Spain.
Aimée Froom, MFAH curator of art of the Islamic worlds, delves into the meaning of this pyxis, which helps chronicle the emergence of Islam in the region and showcases the diverse art and culture of Spain.
► Find out more about “Glory of Spain”
► Hear from curator Aimée Froom in this video about the ancient ivory pyxis:
