Beads
Unknown Artist
8th–13th century
Medium
Stone, probably jet; drilled
Dimensions
W. 13/16 in. (2.1 cm) Diam. 11/16 in. (1.7 cm)
Classification
Stone
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1948
Accession Number
48.101.193c
Art Historical Context
These delicate stone beads, crafted by an unknown artist between the 8th and 13th centuries, exemplify the everyday artistry of the Islamic world. Made from jet—a glossy, lightweight black lignite prized for its deep luster and workability—they measure just 13/16 inch wide and 11/16 inch in diameter. Skillfully drilled for stringing, they were likely part of necklaces, bracelets, or prayer beads, blending functionality with subtle elegance. In the medieval Islamic period, spanning the Abbasid Caliphate and beyond, such beads held both practical and cultural significance. Jet, sourced from reg...