Armlet

Reign:
Mahmud ibn Sabaktigin (998–1030)
Date:
first half 11th century
Geography:
Iran, Gurgan
Medium:
Gold; filigree and granulation
Dimensions:
H. of clasp 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm), Max. Diam. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
Classification:
Jewelry
Credit Line:
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1957
Accession Number:
57.88a–c
  • Description

    Pre-Islamic forms can be seen in bracelets such as this one, indicating traditionalism in the production of jewelry. At the back of each of the four hemispheres around the clasp there is a flat disk of gold decorated by pouncing it over a coin; the four stones originally on the front are now missing. The twisted decoration probably derives from Greek bracelets; Byzantine jewelry often incorporated coins.

  • Provenance

    [ E. Safani, New York, until 1957; sold to MMA]

  • See also
    What
    Where
    When
    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
140008763

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