Earring

Date:: 11th–12th century

Geography:: Attributed to Iran

Medium:: Gold; filigree and granulation

Dimensions:: Diam. 2 3/8 in. (6.1 cm)

Classification:: Jewelry

Credit Line:: Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts and Harvey and Elizabeth Plotnick Gift, 2006

Accession Number:: 2006.273b

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453

This crescent-shaped earring is one of a pair (see 2006.273a). It is constructed of gold wire and filigree. The decorative details are achieved through the openwork filigree and fine granulation. In a 12th century manuscript, the Treatises of Fixed Stars, female figures (representing constellations) are depicted wearing crescent-shaped jewelry, both earrings and head ornaments.

[ Momtaz Islamic Art, London, 1950–2006; sold to MMA]

New York. Forbes Galleries. "Masterpieces of Ancient Jewelry: Exquisite Jeweled Objects from the Cradle of Civilization," September 22, 2008–December 31, 2008, p. 113.

Chicago. Field Museum of Natural History. "Masterpieces of Ancient Jewelry: Exquisite Jeweled Objects from the Cradle of Civilization," February 13, 2009–June 14, 2009, p. 113.

Paris. Institut du Monde Arabe. "Masterpieces of Ancient Jewelry: Exquisite Jeweled Objects from the Cradle of Civilization," April 19, 2010–July 25, 2010, p. 113.

Price, Judith. "Exquisite Objects from the Cradle of Civilization." In Masterpieces of Ancient Jewelry. Philadelphia; London, 2008. p. 107, ill. (color).

Essays
The Art of the Seljuqs of Iran (ca. 1040–1157)

Timelines
Iran, 1000–1400 A.D.

Department

Islamic Art (14,462)

Object Type / Material

Costume (43,145)

Ear ornaments (2,201)