Gold Iranian Earring
Fine, Gold Earring set with Turquoise
Iran, Iraq or Syria
circa 11th-12th century
width: 3.8cm, height: 3.7cm, weight: 9g
This single high-carat gold earring is of pierced sheet gold and applied gold filigree and granulation work. It is in a crescent shape, the ends of which are joined at the top with a gold hanging hoop. The earring is inset with a turquoise cabochon at its centre in a box setting, against a ground of circular motifs all in filigree.
The earring is from the area that today is now covered by Iran, Iraq or Syria. Egypt too might be another possibility.
See von Folsach (2001, p. 346) for a related pair, and click
here
for some related examples in the British Museum.
There is some age-related crushing to the extremities but otherwise, the earring is in fine condition given its significant age.
References
Folsach, K., von, Art from the World of Islam: in the David Collection, 2001.Provenance:
Saeed Motamed Collection, UK; acquired between 1955 and 1998.
Inventory no.: 2872
SOLD
here