Coin Weight

Art Historical Context

This delicate glass coin weight from the 11th exemplifies the precision craftsmanship of the Islamic world during a golden age of trade and. Measuring just 7/8 inch in diameter and weighing a mere 0.1 ounce, it was designed for practical use in verifying the weight of gold dinars or silver dirhams, ensuring fair transactions across bustling markets from Baghdad to Cordoba. As part of standardized weights and measures systems, such objects reflect the Abbasid Caliphate's emphasis on regulation and scientific accuracy. Crafted from glass—a medium prized in Islamic art for its clarity and moldability—this weight highlights advanced techniques like mold-blowing or pressing, which allowed for uniform shapes and exact masses. Though functional, its survival underscores the artistry in everyday tools, blending utility with the era's renowned glassworking prowess, influenced by influences from Syria to Egypt. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1908, this artifact now resides in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art department, offering visitors a tangible link to medieval merchants who navigated vast trade networks with such unassuming yet essential instruments.