

Armlet, Ghaznavid period (977–1186), first half of 11th century
Iran, Gurgan
Gold; filigree and granulation
Iran, Gurgan
Gold; filigree and granulation
H. of clasp 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm), Max. Diam. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1957 (57.88a–c)
Pre-Islamic forms can be seen in bracelets such as this one, indicating traditionalism in the production of jewelry. At the back of each of the four hemispheres around the clasp there is a flat disk of gold decorated by pouncing it over a coin; the four stones originally on the front are now missing. The twisted decoration probably derives from Greek bracelets; Byzantine jewelry often incorporated coins.







