Ring Weight
Unknown Artist
7th–9th century
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
H. 3/4 in. W. 1 5/8 in. D. 1 in.
Classification
Glass
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1908
Accession Number
08.256.2a
Tags
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art collection, this delicate *Ring Weight* from the 7th–9th century exemplifies the ingenuity of early Islamic craftsmanship. Crafted from glass, it measures just 3/4 inch high, 1 5/8 inches wide, and 1 inch deep—small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1908, this unassuming object was not mere decoration but a practical tool for trade, reflecting the era's emphasis on precision in commerce. During the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, vast trade networks spanned from the Mediterranean to India, demand...