Ring

12th–13th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453

Jewelry was ever-present in the Islamic world despite some religious proscriptions against the use of precious metals. This example–unusual for its compact appearance–shows the high technical skill reached in the field, combining inlay and fine engraving with such complex techniques as openwork and chasing.
The hexagonal bezel is decorated, in the recessed medallion, with affronted ducks and the shank terminals are anthropomorphic. The massiveness of the gold is very unusual for early Islamic jewelry and unlike any known from medieval Iran.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Ring
Date: 12th–13th century
Geography: Attributed to Iraq
Medium: Gold; cast, chased
Dimensions: H. 1 1/8 in. (2.8 cm)
W. 1 1/8 in. (2.8 cm)
D. 7/8 in. (2.3 cm)
Classification: Jewelry
Credit Line: Gift of Alastair Bradley Martin, 1948
Object Number: 48.154.10
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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late 15th–early 16th century

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