Earring, One of a Set of Four

Unknown

19th century · Gold · Islamic Art

This earring, one of a set of four, is fabricated of gold and contains several floral motifs. Flat, three-petalled flowers make up the pendants at the base of the hoop, while a cast rosette can be seen at the front of the earring. These motifs reference the ancient practice of making ephemeral adornments from flowers. These ornaments were formerly in the collection of American artist and designer Lockwood de Forest (1850–1932) who purchased many jeweled objects while traveling in India between 1879–1881. Today, his collection of Indian jewelry in the Met serves as a near-comprehensive assemblage of late nineteenth century bodily adornment.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Gold

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1915