The Arabesque® Wooden Wall Hanging Inspired by Historic Medieval Cairo's Nilometer: Arabic Calligraphy Engraving in Kufic Script.
The Nilometer is the oldest Islamic building from medieval Cairo. Likely built on an older site, the Cairo Nilometer was built in 861 by the Abbasids as a monument meant to measure the water level of the Nile from season to season. The Nilometer houses a large stone measuring shaft that is used as a measuring device. The building is connected under the ground to the Nile River. In flood season, its internal gates are opened up to the let the water inside the building. if the water reached a certain level, determined by the measurements on the shaft, the yearly crops and revenue could be determined by the state, setting a precedent for the yearly taxes on the people of Egypt.
This artwork is an engraving of Arabic Kufic script inspired from phrases which belonged to a marble plaque that once was located inside the nilometer. The artwork has been engraved on a basswood natural piece of wood which in turn is dyed in an indigo color. The combination of gold leaf and dark indigo hues echoes the historical tradition of water, the Nile, harvest, crop, and life - all social elements which the Nilometer historically represents.
We can attach hanging hardware and a gold chain to this piece if you want (extra charges apply). Just choose this option at check out.
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-2 business days
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
I don't accept cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gift wrapping and packaging
Yes. We can gift wrap your purchase for an additional $10.00 service charge. Your gift wrapping is guaranteed to be unique and one of a kind. We use a variety of paper, ribbon, and decorative embellishments to create a very elegant gift wrap. Just let us know in a note at checkout that you would like your gift wrapped and we will create a gift wrapping listing for you in order to bill you for the service.
Custom and personalized orders
We are committed to providing our customers with well thought of and exceptionally made custom and personalized orders. Scroll through our website and our custom products section to get an idea of what you'd like. Anything you see on our website can be reproduced in larger or smaller sizes. We can also make things in the colors that suit you. Contact us and we will get back to you with an idea and proofs that will give you a good idea about what your project will look like.
Wholesale availability
Yes. Wholesale ordering is available. If you need a certain item or design in wholesale quantity we will certainly do that for you with competitive pricing. Please contact us for further details.
Payment options
When you buy through our Etsy shop or at www.thearabesque.com you will be directed to make an Etsy account. Etsy provides a secure platform for checkout and payment and accepts all major credit cards and Paypal. You now also have the option of checking out as a guest.