Cordiform Pendant

Unknown

mid–late 19th century · Silver; fire-gilded and chased, with niello inlay, decorative wire, and table-cut carnelians · Islamic Art

The inclusion of niello, or black composite, decoration on this magnificent pendant is unusual in Turkmen jewelry. The technique is found in the urban metalwork of Central Asia and may indicate that the piece was a special commission from an urban workshop for a Turkmen patron. The split-palmette leaf arabesque is a long-lived motif of Islamic art, while the silver wire filigree and twisted rope wire border are common to Teke and Yomut Turkmen jewelry

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid–late 19th century

Medium

Silver; fire-gilded and chased, with niello inlay, decorative wire, and table-cut carnelians

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Marshall and Marilyn R. Wolf, 2006