Earring, One of a Pair
Unknown
12th century · Gold wire with filigree and pale stone · Islamic Art
Traces of bluish-green glaze can be seen on the surface of the quartz stones in these earrings in an effort to imitate turquoise. Sourced locally in Iran, turquoise was a favorite stone in the medieval period, and according to eleventh-century scholar Al-Biruni, was believed to protect from the evil eye. Glazing stones to modify their appearance is a practice that is known since antiquity and provided a more economical alternative to sourcing expensive gemstones.
- Artist
- Unknown
- Date
- 12th century
- Medium
- Gold wire with filigree and pale stone
- Department
- Islamic Art
- Credit line
- Rogers Fund, 1952
