Earring, One of a Pair

Unknown

18th–20th century · Gold, emerald, ruby, champlevé enamel, and pearl · Islamic Art

This beautiful earring and its mate (1981.5.16) were fabricated with emeralds, rubies, pearls and gold. The backside is ornamented with blue, green and red-orange enamel, in scrolling floral motifs. These jewels were most likely made in Fes, or Meknes. In this technique, craftsmen engraved a decorative pattern into the metal, before applying a paste of colored glass in the recesses, which was then melted through heating. Inlaid enamel decorative techniques were both popular in Nasrid Spain (1232–1492), and were likely brought to Morocco by Muslim craftsmen who emigrated from Al-Andalus before or during the 15th century Reconquista.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th–20th century

Medium

Gold, emerald, ruby, champlevé enamel, and pearl

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Marguerite McBey, 1981