Bead
Unknown Artist
9th–19th century
Medium
Carnelian
Dimensions
H. 7/16 in. (1.1 cm) W. 7/16 in. (1.1 cm) D. 3/16 in. (0.5 cm)
Classification
Glass
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Mary Anna Palmer Draper, 1915
Accession Number
15.43.338
Art Historical Context
This petite carnelian bead, dating from the 9th to 19th century exemplifies the enduring craftsmanship of Islamic art. Crafted from carnelian—a vibrant red semi-precious stone prized for its warm translucency and durability—the bead measures just 7/16 inch (1.1 cm) in height and width, with a depth of 3/16 inch (0.5 cm). Such diminutive objects were ubiquitous across the Islamic world, from the Abbasid Caliphate to later Ottoman and Persian realms, serving as components in jewelry, prayer beads (tasbih), or amulets believed to ward off evil. Though classified among glass artifacts, this beade...