Armband, One of a Pair

Unknown

late 19th–early 20th century · Silver, chased, with gilt embossing, decorative wire, stamped beading, tablecut carnelians, and turquoise beads · Islamic Art

Bracelets and armlets, known as bilezik, were usually worn in pairs and decorated with several rows of semi-precious stones. While commonly worn on special occasions, wealthy women often wear them every day. This pair of bilezik is decorated with three rows of table-cut carnelians and two rows of turquoise beads at each end. The silver is decorated with an embossed and applied design and wire. The ends are bordered by motifs known as snake's head, or yilan bash.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th–early 20th century

Medium

Silver, chased, with gilt embossing, decorative wire, stamped beading, tablecut carnelians, and turquoise beads

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Marshall and Marilyn R. Wolf, 2006