The Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History   The Metropolitan Museum of Art
World MapsTimelines / RegionsThematic EssaysWorks of ArtIndex  
Beads, 18th century
Morocco
Fabricated from sheet and set with emeralds and rubies and/or fine garnets; 10.04 x 8.11 in. (25.5 x 20.6 cm)
Gift of Marguerite McBey, 1981 (1981.5.18,19)

Because these are the only beads of their type known to us, we can only speculate as to how they were used in combination with other elements; it is likely, however, that they were strung as a necklace and separated by pearls in multiple strands, as was common in many seventeenth- to nineteenth-century Moroccan necklaces. Although this type of pushed-up setting on a repoussé ground of thin metal is typical of Moroccan jewelry, the fine workmanship and design, including the dense setting of stones in graduated rows on the melonlike form, create an effect unparalleled in the work of this school.


Open full-size image



  • Related Index Terms

    Material and Technique

    Object

    Technical Glossary


    Beads, 18th century
    Morocco
    Fabricated from sheet and set with emeralds and rubies and/or fine garnets; 10.04 x 8.11 in. (25.5 x 20.6 cm)
    Gift of Marguerite McBey, 1981 (1981.5.18,19)