Pendant in the form of a duck
Unknown Artist
ca. 9th century BCE
Medium
Faience, glaze
Dimensions
1.26 x 0.94 in. (3.2 x 2.39 cm)
Classification
Faience-Ornaments
Culture & Period
Iran · Iron Age II, Hasanlu Period IV
Department
Ancient Near Eastern Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Mrs. Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff Gift, 1961
Accession Number
61.100.94
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate pendant, shaped like a duck, hails from ancient Iran during the Iron Age, specifically the Hasanlu IV around the 9th century. Crafted from faience—a composite material of crushed quartz or sand glazed to mimic semiprecious stones—it measures just 1.26 x 0.94 inches, perfect for personal adornment as jewelry or an amulet. Discovered in the context of the Hasanlu archaeological site, it reflects the sophisticated craftsmanship of a vibrant ancient Near Eastern culture. Faience's vibrant glaze not only provided durability and a jewel-like sheen but also allowed for intricate modeli...