Cordiform Pendant

mid–late 19th century

Not on view

The inclusion of niello, or black composite, decoration on this magnificent pendant is unusual in Turkmen jewelry. The technique is found in the urban metalwork of Central Asia and may indicate that the piece was a special commission from an urban workshop for a Turkmen patron. The split-palmette leaf arabesque is a long-lived motif of Islamic art, while the silver wire filigree and twisted rope wire border are common to Teke and Yomut Turkmen jewelry

Artwork Details

Title: Cordiform Pendant
Date: mid–late 19th century
Geography: Country of Origin Turkmenistan, Teke
Medium: Silver; fire-gilded and chased, with niello inlay, decorative wire, and table-cut carnelians
Dimensions: H. 10 in. (25.4 cm)
W. 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm)
Classification: Jewelry
Credit Line: Gift of Marshall and Marilyn R. Wolf, 2006
Object Number: 2006.544.1
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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