Two beads, 11th century; Fatimid
Syria
Gold, fabricated from wire and strips of sheet, decorated with granulation; L. 2 in. (5.1 cm), Max Diam. 1 in. (2.5 cm); Diam. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm)
Purchase, Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah Gift, in memory of Richard Ettinghausen, 1980 (1980.456)
Purchase, Mobil Foundation Inc. Gift, 1980 (1980.457)
Syria
Gold, fabricated from wire and strips of sheet, decorated with granulation; L. 2 in. (5.1 cm), Max Diam. 1 in. (2.5 cm); Diam. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm)
Purchase, Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah Gift, in memory of Richard Ettinghausen, 1980 (1980.456)
Purchase, Mobil Foundation Inc. Gift, 1980 (1980.457)
These beads feature superb patterns of scrolling vines whose bifurcations elegantly extend the design to fit the required space. The patterns recall those of the beveled style of the ninth century, although these possess clearer lines, perhaps owing to the medium.
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