Rock Crystal Pendant
Unknown Artist
9th–10th century
Medium
Rock crystal or quartz
Dimensions
Ht. 7/16 in. (1.9 cm) Diam. 3/8 in. (0.9 cm)
Classification
Stone
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1948
Accession Number
48.101.200
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Art collection, this exquisite Rock Crystal Pendant, dating to the 9th–10th century, showcases the refined craftsmanship of the early Islamic world. Carved from translucent rock crystal—also known as clear quartz—this diminutive jewel measures just 7/16 inch (1.9 cm) in height and3/8 inch (0.9 cm) in diameter, small enough to dangle from a necklace or adorn a garment. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 8, it exemplifies the mastery of stone carvers during a golden age of Abbasid or Fatimid innovation. Rock crystal held immense cultural prestige in ...