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Islamic Sicilian Ivory Casket with Horsemen

A larger image of the left cavalryman on this Islamic Sicilian Ivory Casket, Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence, Italy

Casket. Islamic workshop of Sicily (Palermo?). Probably 12th century. Wooden casket covered with ivory panels. In front two figures of hunters and birds, painted in outline and gilded. With gilt metal mounts.

Firenze, Museo Nazionale del Bargello.

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Referenced on pp.257-8, Arms and Armour of the Crusading Era, 1050-1350, Western Europe and the Crusader States by David Nicolle

685A-B Painted ivory box, Sicily, 12th century
(Bargello Museum, Florence, Italy )

Later ivory boxes from Sicily or southern Italy, which are generally regarded as examples of Islamic art made under Christian domination, are generally painted rather than carved. This example shows considerable influence from Middle Eastern Islamic art, particularly where the horse trappings and harness are concerned. The only weapons shown are simple spears.