Name of Object:Pendant Location:Cairo, Egypt Holding Museum:Museum of Islamic Art About Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo Date of Object:Hegira 5th century / AD 11th century Museum Inventory Number:4337 Material(s) / Technique(s):Gold embellished with enamel. Dimensions:Diameter 2.5 cm Period / Dynasty:Fatimid Provenance:Possibly Fustat, Egypt. Description:Archaeological excavations in the Egyptian City of Fustat have furnished us with some pieces of jewellery such as bracelets, rings, earrings and pendants of gold and silver. A number of techniques in jewellery-making and ornamentation were widespread in Egypt during the Fatimid period. Some of the most important techniques were carving, piercing and enamel inlay. The piece illustrated here is a good example of decorative enamel inlay. View Short DescriptionWomen used all kinds and shapes of jewellery, such as bracelets, rings, earrings, brooches and pendants. Techniques in ornamentation included engraving, incising, piercing and enamel inlay. This piece is good example of decorative enamel inlay. How date and origin were established:The pendant is dated by means of studying the kufic script used in the decoration. Dating was also greatly assisted by a comparative study of the pendant's craftsmanship that, together with some objects made of stucco, have been uncovered in archaeological excavations in the Egyptian City of Fustat, and which are attributed to the same period. How Object was obtained:The object was discovered during the course of archaeological excavations that took place in Fustat in 1916. How provenance was established:A study of the pendant's craftsmanship with reference to stucco objects also uncovered in archaeological excavations in Fustat suggests that the pendant may have been produced there. Selected bibliography:Hassan, Z. M., Atlas al-Funun al-Zukhrufiya wa al-Tasawir al-Islamiya [Atlas of Islamic Decorative Arts and Pictorial Representations], Beirut, 1981. Citation of this web page:Salah Sayour "Pendant" in Discover Islamic Art, Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;eg;Mus01;24;en Prepared by: Salah Sayour
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