Fragments of a Bead
Unknown Artist
8th–13th century
Medium
Jet; cut, drilled, and inlaid
Dimensions
48.101.250a: Ht. 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) W. 3/8 in. (0.9 cm) D. 3/16 in. (0.4 cm) 48.101.250b: H. 9/16 in. (1.5 cm) W. 1/4 in. (0.7 cm) D. 3/16 in. (0.4 cm)
Classification
Jewelry
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1948
Accession Number
48.101.250
Art Historical Context
These delicate fragments of a bead, crafted from jet between the 8th and 13th, offer a glimpse into the exquisite jewelry traditions of the Islamic world., a dense black lignite prized for its glossy polish and lightweight durability, was a favored material for personal adornments like necklaces, amulets, and prayer beads. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1948, these pieces (cataloged as 48.101.250a and b) now reside in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Islamic Art, showcasing the museum's commitment to preserving such intimate artifacts. The tiny dimensions—measuring just a h...