Ring

Unknown

9th–11th century · Silver; set with carnelian · Islamic Art

In medieval Iran, carnelian is popularly found in jewelry owing largely to qualities such as its availability, toughness, and resistance to abrasion. According to al-Biruni, an eleventh-century polymath who wrote an important treatise on gemstones, carnelian was meant to provide courage in battle and cease hemorrhaging on the body. Excavated at Nishapur, this striking ring, therefore would have served as a talisman for its wearer.

Artist

Unknown

Date

9th–11th century

Medium

Silver; set with carnelian

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1940