189 - JEWELRY BOX MODELED AFTER THE FAMOUS KHALAF PYXID

JEWELRY BOX MODELED AFTER THE FAMOUS KHALAF PYXID France or Spain, 19th century, modeled after an original made around 966–968 A copy of the pyx from the Hispanic Society of America (inv. D752), made of white metal worked in repoussé, cylindrical in shape with a domed lid, entirely decorated with a latticework of palmettes, a band inscribed in Kufic script at the base of the lid, copper and brass mounts adorned with green glass cabochons, the base decorated with a geometric pattern, the interior lined with silk featuring a floral design, distortion of the hinge, small dents. Height: 18.5 cm This metal casket is modeled after the Umayyad-period ivory pyxis, crafted in Madinat al-Zahra around 966–968 and signed by the artist Khalaf, now in the collection of the Hispanic Society of America (inv. D752). Related Bibliography: Ecker, Heather. *Caliphs and Kings: The Art and Influence of Islamic Spain*. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution: Hispanic Society of America, 2004, cat. 18, pp. 26, 125, and 166 (notably for the inscription, its transcription, and its English translation). Arabic inscription: Manẓarī aḥsanu manẓarin Nahdun khūdin lam yuksar Al-Ḥasan put on a robe embroidered with jewels So I am a glance of touch, of camphor, and of amber Behind (Manẓarī aḥsanu manẓarin Nahdun khūdin lam yuksar / Khalaʿa al‑ḥasnu ʿalā Ḥullatun turazzuhā bi‑jawharin /Fa‑anā ṭarfu li‑miskin khalfa Wa‑li‑kāfūrin wa‑ʿanbarin / Khalaf) —“The vision I offer is the most beautiful there is: the firm bosom of a delicate young girl. Beauty has clothed me in a splendid garment adorned with jewels. I am a receptacle for musk, camphor, and ambergris. [Made by] Khalaf.” A Jewelry Box Copied From the Umayyad Pyxis of Khalaf, France or Spain, 19th Century