Gold bracelet of eight links

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Object Details

Label

This bracelet's lightweight construction continues a characteristic of earlier Byzantine and Sasanian traditions. Each of the eight links consists of a pyramidal hollow "box," shaped from sheet gold and originally inset with a precious stone. On the sloping sides, inscriptions on a niello ground (blackened with a lead-silver sulfide mixture) bestow good wishes on the owner. Finely drawn sphinxes and griffins on the back of each link symbolize good fortune and well being.

Collection

Freer Gallery of Art Collection

Exhibition History

Gold: The Asian Touch (September 10, 2005 to February 20, 2006)

Islamic Metalwork in the Freer Gallery of Art (September 27, 1985 to November 17, 1986)

Art of the Near East (August 21, 1977 to December 14, 1979)

Near Eastern Art (June 15, 1973 to May 7, 1975)

2500 Years of Persian Art—Paintings, Metalwork (February 10, 1972 to June 15, 1973)

Near Eastern Art—Paintings, Metalwork (August 18, 1967 to February 10, 1972)

Special Exhibition Afghanistan (September 3, 1963 to June 5, 1964)

Near Eastern Art (January 1, 1963 to August 18, 1967)

Persian Art (January 1, 1963 to September 3, 1963)

Special Exhibition of Persian Art (May 1, 1960 to August 11, 1961)

Centennial Exhibition, Galleries 6 and 7 (February 25, 1956 to April 10, 1962)

Untitled Exhibition, Islamic Manuscripts, Pottery, Metalwork, and Glass (April 12, 1955 to November 21, 1955)

Special Exhibition, Near Eastern Art (September 15, 1953 to February 9, 1954)

Untitled Exhibition, Islamic Arts, 1947 (October 6, 1947 to February 25, 1956)

Credit Line

Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment

Date

12th century

Period

Abbasid period

Accession Number

F1950.21

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Jewelry and Ornament

Medium

Gold

Dimensions

H x W: 19.7 x 3 cm (7 3/4 x 1 3/16 in)

Origin

Iran

Related Online Resources

Google Arts & Culture

See more items in

National Museum of Asian Art

Data Source

National Museum of Asian Art

Topic

niello

chasing

granulation (metal decorating)

hammering

metal

gold

silver

Abbasid period (750 - 1258)

kufic script

naskh script