Publication Date
5th century AH / 11th century AD
Publication Place
-
Museum of Islamic Art
Subject
Enamelled gold.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
القطر: 2.5 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
4337
Record ID
object;ISL;eg;Mus01;24;ar
Library Location
Museum of Islamic Art
Date
5th century AH / 11th century AD
Notes
Excavations of the city of Fustat, the first Islamic capital of Egypt, provided us with some pieces of jewelry, including bracelets, rings, earrings, and pendants made of silver and gold. Several methods were commonly used in making and decorating jewelry in Egypt during the Fatimid era, the most important of these methods being drilling, perforation, and enamel inlay. The piece in front of us is a good example of enamel decoration. In general, enamel decoration was done in one of two ways. The first method involves pouring enamel into small metal lobes that resemble molds, and after burning them in a special oven, these lobes are glued to the surface of the gold piece in the places designated for them according to the decoration. The second method consists of engraving the decorative designs deeply on the surface of the piece, then pouring enamel in the engraved areas and burning the piece in a special oven. This second method is easier and faster than the first method. The piece discussed here is considered one of the finest examples of antiquities inlaid with bezel enamel - the first method of enamel decoration. This piece is a round pendant with a concave surface, and its decoration is distributed in three horizontal sections. The middle section is the widest of these sections and is occupied by writing in Kufic script in white, decorated in red and executed on a squirrel green background. The text of the inscription “God is the Best Protector” is part of verse No. 64 of Surat Yusuf (No. 12). As for the upper and lower sections of the pendant, each is decorated with a plant branch painted in red on a green background.
Sample Text
Salah Sayour "Pendant" in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;eg;Mus01;24;ar
