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Earring, One of a Pair

11th century
Not on view
These crescent-shaped (hilal) gold earrings have been fabricated with filigree openwork, beaded granulation, and several loops around the perimeter and interior which once attached gems. These characteristics, along with the hemispherical ornament, are typical of the opulent jewelry from the Fatimid Period (909–1171). The Fatimids ruled a kingdom that stretched across North Africa, the Levant and Hijaz, and as far south as Nubia, modern day Sudan, where it maintained control over the important gold mines which provided the raw materials required to make these sumptuous jewels.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Earring, One of a Pair
  • Date: 11th century
  • Geography: Made in Egypt
  • Medium: Gold; wire, strips, filigree, and granulation
  • Dimensions: H. 1 5/8 in. (3.9 cm)
    W. 1 1/16 in. (2.5 cm)
    D. 7/16 in. (1.1 cm)
  • Classification: Jewelry
  • Credit Line: Theodore M. Davis Collection, Bequest of Theodore M. Davis, 1915
  • Object Number: 30.95.39
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
Earring, One of a Pair, Gold; wire, strips, filigree, and granulation
Earring, One of a Pair
11th century
Brazier of Rasulid Sultan al-Malik al-Muzaffar Shams al-Din Yusuf ibn 'Umar, Brass; cast, chased, and inlaid with silver and black compound
Brazier of Rasulid Sultan al-Malik al-Muzaffar Shams al-Din Yusuf ibn 'Umar
second half 13th century
Lady with silver basket, Giuseppe Gori, Polychromed terracotta head and wooden limbs; body of wire wrapped in tow; satin, silk and velvet garments with lace; gold and silver thread; gold earring with pearls and pearl necklace; silver filigree purse and silver basket, Italian, Naples
Lady with silver basket
Attributed to Giuseppe Gori
second half 18th century
Bowl with Eagle, Muslim Ibn al-Dahhan Egyptian, Earthenware; luster-painted on opaque white glaze
Bowl with Eagle
Muslim Ibn al-Dahhan
ca. 1000
Earring, One of a Pair, Gold wire and sheets with filigree
Earring, One of a Pair
11th–12th century

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