Earring

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