Ornament

Art Historical Context

This exquisite *Ornament* from the Museum of Art's Islamic Art department exemplifies the opulent jewelry traditions of the mid-19th century Islamic world. Crafted by an unknown artist, it features silver as its primary material, adorned with vibrant coral, turquoise, and elements. These multicolored accents create a striking interplay of textures and hues, typical of jewelry designed for both adornment and symbolic value in regions like the Ottoman Empire, Persia, or North Africa. The use of coral—prized for its rich red tones—and turquoise, a stone revered for its protective qualities in Is...