This crescent-shaped earring is one of a pair (see 2006.273a). It is constructed of gold wire and filigree. The decorative details are achieved through the openwork filigree and fine granulation. In a 12th century manuscript, the Treatises of Fixed Stars, female figures (representing constellations) are depicted wearing crescent-shaped jewelry, both earrings and head ornaments.
Credit: Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts and Harvey and Elizabeth Plotnick Gift, 2006
11th-12th century
Gold; filigree and granulation
6.1cm
2006.273b
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection