"The Elephant Clock", Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari
Flag of SyriaIslamic ArtCodicesdated A.H. 715/A.D. 1315

By Badi' al-Zaman ibn al-Razzaz al-Jazari|Farrukh ibn `Abd al-Latif

"The Elephant Clock", Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari is a codices from Syria created in dated A.H. 715/A.D. 1315 using ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper measuring 11 13/16 x 7 3/4in. (30 x 19.7cm) Mat: 19 1/4 x 14 1/4 in… attributed to Badi' al-Zaman ibn al-Razzaz al-Jazari|Farrukh ibn `Abd al-Latif — now part of the Islamic Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumInk, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Dimensions11 13/16 x 7 3/4in. (30 x 19.7cm) Mat: 19 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (48.9 x 36.2 cm) Frame: 20 1/4 x 15 1/4 in. (51.4 x 38.7 cm)
ClassificationCodices
DepartmentIslamic Art
Credit LineBequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956
Datedated A.H. 715/A.D. 1315

Historical Context

Geography

Origin: Syria. Flag of Syria

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses "The Elephant Clock", Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari?

"The Elephant Clock", Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari is housed in the Islamic Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was "The Elephant Clock", Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari created?

"The Elephant Clock", Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari dates to dated A.H. 715/A.D. 1315.

What material is "The Elephant Clock", Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari made from?

"The Elephant Clock", Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari is crafted from ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper.

Where does "The Elephant Clock", Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari originate?

"The Elephant Clock", Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari originates from Syria.

Is "The Elephant Clock", Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari in the public domain?

"The Elephant Clock", Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari is in the public domain and can be freely used.

Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026

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