Beads
Unknown Artist
8th–13th century
Medium
Glass; drilled
Dimensions
H. 5/16 in. (0.8 cm) W. 5/16 in. (0.8 cm) L. 3/8 in. (0.9 cm)
Classification
Glass
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1948
Accession Number
48.101.90d
Art Historical Context
These petite glass beads, crafted by an unknown artist between the8th and 13th centuries, offer a glimpse into the everyday artistry of the Islamic world. Measuring a mere 5/16 inch (0.8 cm) in height and width, and 3/8 inch (0.9 cm) in length, they were expertly drilled through their centers, enabling them to be strung into necklaces, bracelets, or trims. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department Islamic Art—acquired via the Rogers Fund in 1948—these tiny treasures showcase the precision and skill of medieval glassmakers. During this expansive period, which overlaps with the ...