Earring

probably 11th–13th century

Not on view

These earrings ( 95.16.2 and .3) were discovered in al-Hillah, Iraq, and are of a known type produced in the 11th –13th centuries. The hexagram in the center probably alludes to the apotropaic Seal of Solomon, a motif which is found on other objects from this period and place. According to legend, King Solomon received the Seal in the form of a signet ring directly from God, which gave him the power to command animals, and supernatural beings (jinn). The Seal of Solomon became a popular talismanic motif throughout the Islamic world and can be found on the surfaces of many objects.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Earring
Date: probably 11th–13th century
Geography: Attributed to Iraq
Medium: Gold; filligree
Dimensions: H. 7/8 in (2.2 cm)
W. 1 1/4 in (3.2 cm)
D. 1/8 in. (0.3 cm)
Classification: Jewelry
Credit Line: Purchase, 1895
Object Number: 95.16.3
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Earring, Gold; filligree — Earring
probably 11th–13th century

"Preparing Medicine from Honey", from a Dispersed Manuscript of an Arabic Translation of De Materia Medica of Dioscorides, 'Abdullah ibn al-Fadl, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper — "Preparing Medicine from Honey", from a Dispersed Manuscript of an Arabic Translation of De Materia Medica of Dioscorides
'Abdullah ibn al-Fadl
dated 621 AH/1224 CE

Ring, Gold; cast, chased — Ring
12th–13th century

"Men Treading Grapes", Folio from a Materia Medica of Dioscorides, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper — "Men Treading Grapes", Folio from a Materia Medica of Dioscorides
dated 621 AH/1224 CE

Folio from a Qur'an Manuscript, Ahmad ibn al-Suhrawardi al-Bakri, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper — Folio from a Qur'an Manuscript
Ahmad ibn al-Suhrawardi al-Bakri
Muhammad ibn Aibak ibn 'Abdallah
dated 707 AH/1307–8 CE

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