Box turned from steatite (soapstone), with incised and painted decoration

The little covered box has a characteristic shape – almost cylindrical with a small domed top – that has close parallels to metalwork, both larger containers and smaller inkwells. They are dated to the 13th century and are frequently given rich silver inlays.

The simpler, incised decoration of this box with geometric patterns, in contrast, is more closely related to that of the slightly older, turned wooden boxes (49/1998). This box moreover has a painted decoration, including an inscription in Naskh expressing various good wishes for its owner.