Wood

Wood and ivory were sculpted in panels and were often used together to form important and beautiful elements, that were appreciated in all eras, such as ‘mihrabs’ (prayer niches), mosque lecterns and pulpits, doors and windows.

A special group of carved wood objects throughout the Muslim world, were Quran stands, that could be folded flat, in various ways.

Another area of speciality, was the inlaying of mother of pearl into wood, that reached its height in the most sophisticated marquetry craftsmanship of the Ottoman empire and Mughal India. This was used for caskets, boxes and furniture.

 

Photo above:- Mosque pulpit. Wood inlaid with mother of pearl, from the Mosque of Kilic Ali Pasha, Istanbul, c.1588 CE.