Lot Essay
The reverse of the pendant is inscribed, the centre with Muhammad surrounded by an inner circle with parts of Qur'an LVII (sura al-hadid), v.3 and an outer band with Qur'an LXI (sura al-saff), v. 13.
This pendant derives from earlier prototypes attributed to 13th and 14th century Central Asia and Mongolia. Decorated with similar gold filigree work, they are inset with hardstones and have identical cloud shapes (In Palaces and Tents, Islamic World from China to Europe, exhibition catalogue, St Petersburg, 2008, pp.156-163).
This pendant derives from earlier prototypes attributed to 13th and 14th century Central Asia and Mongolia. Decorated with similar gold filigree work, they are inset with hardstones and have identical cloud shapes (In Palaces and Tents, Islamic World from China to Europe, exhibition catalogue, St Petersburg, 2008, pp.156-163).