Ring

Unknown

12th–13th century · Gold; cast, chased · Islamic Art

Jewelry was ever-present in the Islamic world despite some religious proscriptions against the use of precious metals. This example–unusual for its compact appearance–shows the high technical skill reached in the field, combining inlay and fine engraving with such complex techniques as openwork and chasing. The hexagonal bezel is decorated, in the recessed medallion, with affronted ducks and the shank terminals are anthropomorphic. The massiveness of the gold is very unusual for early Islamic jewelry and unlike any known from medieval Iran.

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th–13th century

Medium

Gold; cast, chased

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Alastair Bradley Martin, 1948