Name of Object:Pair of earrings Location:Damascus, Syria Holding Museum:National Museum of Damascus About National Museum of Damascus, Damascus Date of Object:Around hegira 5th–6th century / AD 11th–12th century Museum Inventory Number:ع 3052 Material(s) / Technique(s):Woven gold. Dimensions:Length (at longest point) 3.5 cm, depth (at deepest point) 1.21 cm Period / Dynasty:Fatimid Provenance:Possibly Raqqa. Description:The Fatimid period is distinguished by the development of precisely executed objects with high levels of decorative concentration. This is evident in wood, metal, and gold objects from the period. View Short DescriptionThis small but meticulously executed pair of gold earrings is a prime example of dexterity in the technique of filigree. Birds were a favoured ornamental motif and the filigree technique maintained the lightness of the subject without compromising their opulence. How date and origin were established:The production of this type of hollow, woven gold object was well known in the Fatimid period, specifically in the first half of the 5th / 11th century. How Object was obtained:Purchased in 1940. How provenance was established:Although purchased in Raqqa, the method of production described above was associated with multiple sites in Egypt and Syria, such as Cairo and Aleppo. It is difficult to determine, therefore, a definitive provenance. Selected bibliography:Ettinghausen, R., Grabar, O., and Jenkins-Madina, M., Islamic Art and Architecture 650–1250, New Haven, 2001, fig. 340. Citation of this web page:Mona al-Moadin "Pair of earrings" in Discover Islamic Art, Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;sy;Mus01;17;en Prepared by: Mona Al-Moadin
|