Earring
Unknown Artist
11th century
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
H. 7/8 in. (2.2 cm) W. 15/16 in. (2.4 cm)
Classification
Jewelry
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Gifts in memory of Richard Ettinghausen and Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1979
Accession Number
1979.278.3
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate gold earring, crafted by an unknown artist in the th century, exemplifies the jewelry of the Islamic world. Measuring just 7/8 inch high and 15/16 inch wide, its petite scale belies the masterful workmanship typical of the era. Adorned with bird motifsevident from its tags—the piece likely draws on symbolic imagery common in Islamic art, where often evoked grace, paradise, or spiritual themes. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1979 through a purchase honoring scholars Richard Ettinghausen and the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, it resides in the museum's Islamic Art Departmen...