Belt ornament

Object Details

• Description

  A hollow rectangular ornament with an arch-shaped tip made up of two pieces: the top half depicting a lion in high relief formed by repousse, its details chased and punched; the lower half, forming a flat back was soldered to the overhanging sides of the top. The hollow inside has been filled with a bituminous substance which not only supported the high relief but also served as an adhesive to the leather strap inserted into the ornament. Two pins at the open edge held the strap in place.

  The long sides and the arched tip are decorated with projecting trefoils, a pair of split-leaves or palmettes appear over the open edge. The lion, represented in a walking position, is finely detailed. A series of curls decorate the long tail and the mane, which extends to the middle of the back; short strokes designate the fur on the body and circular punches appear on the mustache. The background is covered with overall ring matting.

• Collection

  Freer Gallery of Art Collection

• Exhibition History

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

• Origin

  Iran

• Credit Line

  Bequest of Joseph Upton

• Type

  Jewelry and Ornament

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1100s, 1000s

• Topic

  Cats, Art, Animals, Arts of the Islamic World

• Culture

  Muslims, Iranians

• Object Type

  Ornaments, Jewelry