Armlet or Anklet

Object Details

• Label

  This rare armlet or anklet dates from the reign of the Fatimids in Egypt and Syria (909-1171). It is made from a hollow tube joined together on the inner side with a seam that is camouflaged by a band of decoration. Inscribed with anonymous good wishes in the kufic script, this impressive piece of adornment is another example of the luxury and material prosperity of the Fatimid dynasty.

• Collection

  Freer Gallery of Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Arts of the Islamic World (May 3, 1998 to January 3, 2016)

  Islamic Metalwork in the Freer Gallery of Art (September 27, 1985 to November 17, 1986)

  Art of the Arab World (May 8, 1975 to August 20, 1977)

  Special Exhibition Afghanistan (September 3, 1963 to June 5, 1964)

  Centennial Exhibition, Galleries 6 and 7 (February 25, 1956 to April 10, 1962)

  Untitled Exhibition, Islamic Manuscripts, 1955 (April 12, 1955 to December 16, 1955)

  Special Exhibition, Near Eastern Art (September 15, 1953 to February 9, 1954)

  Untitled Exhibition, Islamic Manuscripts, 1947 (October 6, 1947 to February 25, 1956)

• Origin

  Syria

• Credit Line

  Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment

• Type

  Jewelry and Ornament

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

  There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

  The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1100s, 1000s

• Topic

  Repoussé, Gold, Kufic script, Art, Wirework, Granulation (metal decorating), Arts of the Islamic World, Fatimid period (909 - 1171), Chasing, Filigree

• Culture

  Muslims, Syrians

• Object Type

  Ornaments, Jewelry