Ivory Mirror Case with a Falconing Party

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This carved ivory plaque once served as the case for a hand mirror. When joined with its mate, the bayonet mount carved into its interior formed a tight grip with the matching side, providing protection for a delicate mirror made of silvered or mercury-lined glass. In fourteenth century France, ivory mirror cases of this type were made by ivory carvers called pigniers, who also specialized in the creation of luxury hygienic articles like combs and hair picks. Among the most popular products of Gothic ivory carvers, the courtly subject matter, elegant carving, and use of a luxury material such as ivory indicate that mirror cases like this one were intended for aristocratic clients; medieval inventories confirm that these objects frequently belonged to such households.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.

Metropolitan Museum of Art