Pendant with Fishes and Amulets, Part of a Set
This pendant and pendants 2022.463.5, .7, .8, worked in gold, once belonged to a lavish headdress with fish-shaped elements, which was part of a luxurious bridal outfit. Similar fish-shaped elements also are known to appear in luxurious necklaces still preserved in the royal collections of the Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul. The fish motif symbolizes fertility, and the amulets have apotropaic functions. Gold and heavy silver jewelry was part of a wealthy woman's dowry and considered an important financial reserve. Decorative details such as the fish or amulets, were intended to help ensure a healthy life of the bride and future mother of the household, along with easy childbirth and healthy children.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pendant with Fishes and Amulets, Part of a Set
- Date: late 18th century
- Geography: Probably from Turkey or Iraq
- Medium: Gold
- Dimensions: H. 9/16 in. (1.4 cm)
W. 3 1/16 in. (7.8 cm)
D. 5/16 in. (0.8 cm) - Classification: Jewelry
- Credit Line: Gift of Gloria Mizrahi, in memory of Reuben M. Mizrahi, 2022
- Object Number: 2022.463.6
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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late 18th century
'Abd al-Qadir Hisari
dated 1180 AH/1766–67 CE
early 17th century
dated 1707 CE
17th century
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