Necklace Centerpiece
Unknown Artist
11th century
Medium
Gold, glass
Dimensions
H. 2 5/16 in. (5.8 cm) W. 1 5/16 in. (3.4 cm) D. 1/4 in. (0.6 cm) Wt. 0.4 oz. (11.3 g)
Classification
Jewelry
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Friends of the Department of Islamic Art Fund, 1970
Accession Number
1970.76
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Necklace Centerpiece from the 11th exemplifies the refined artistry of Islamic jewelry-making. Crafted from gold and glass by an artist, this petite pendant measures just 2 5/16 inches high and weighs a mere 0.4 ounces, designed to be the focal point of a necklace. Its delicate form, adorned with motifs of birds—a recurring symbol in Islamic art representing grace, freedom, and spiritual themes—highlights the era's mastery of miniaturization and intricate detailing. Dating to the medieval Islamic world, likely from regions like Persia or the Abbasid Caliphate, the piece reflec...