Bead
Unknown Artist
8th–13th century
Medium
Stone; cut and drilled
Dimensions
48.101.184a: Ht. 1/2 in. (1.2 cm) Diam. 1 in. (2.5 cm) 48.101.184b: Ht. 1/4 in. (0.7 cm) W. 1 1/8 in. (2.8 cm) 48.101.184c: Ht. 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) W. 1 1/4 in. (3.1 cm)
Classification
Stone
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1948
Accession Number
48.101.184a–c
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic collection, these three stone beads (accession numbers 48.101.184a–c), dating from the 8th to 13th century, offer a glimpse into the everyday artistry of the Islamic world. Crafted from stone and meticulously cut and, they vary in size—from the largest at 1 inch in diameter to the smallest just 1/8 inch high—revealing the of ancient lapidary techniques. through the Rogers Fund in 8, these unassuming objects highlight the Met's commitment to preserving subtle treasures of Islamic material culture. During this expansive period, spanning the Ab...