Armlet or Anklet

Historical period(s)
Fatimid period, 11th century
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
H x W: 12.9 x 10.8 cm (5 1/16 x 4 1/4 in)
Geography
Syria
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1948.25
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jewelry and Ornament, Metalwork
Type

Armlet

Keywords
Fatimid period (909 - 1171), filigree, kufic script, Syria
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

This rare armlet or anklet dates from the reign of the Fatimids in Egypt and Syria (909-1171). It is made from a hollow tube joined together on the inner side with a seam that is camouflaged by a band of decoration. Inscribed with anonymous good wishes in the kufic script, this impressive piece of adornment is another example of the luxury and material prosperity of the Fatimid dynasty.

Published References
  • Dr. Esin Atil. Art of the Arab World. Exh. cat. Washington, 1975. cat. 14, p. 41.
  • Dr. Esin Atil, W. Thomas Chase, Paul Jett. Islamic Metalwork in the Freer Gallery of Art. Washington, 1985. cat. 4, pp. 65-67.
  • Paul Jett. A Pair of Islamic Gold Bracelets Reunited. vol. 6, 1993. pp. 74-76.
  • Dr. Esin Atil. Syrie: Mémoire et Civilisation. Exh. cat. Paris. cat. 363, p. 462.
Collection Area(s)
Arts of the Islamic World
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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