A ROCK CRYSTAL FINIAL

FATIMID EGYPT, 10TH/11TH CENTURY

Details
A ROCK CRYSTAL FINIAL
FATIMID EGYPT, 10TH/11TH CENTURY
The rounded pyramidal finial engraved in high relief with a pattern of palmettes supported by split palmette leaves repeated four times above a band of small dots and dashes, underside with remains of lug, chips, occlusions, abrasion to engraved areas
1¾in. (4.5cm.) high

Lot Essay

This carved rock-crystal object may once have served as a sword pommel or possibly as a sceptre head. The protruding lug on its underside is only fragmentary, but seems to have once contained a conical opening. Once set into an object of another material, this may have served as a socket for a locking pin.

Stylistically this item is related to the rock crystal perfume bottle in lot 379, and like that is decorated in a style of carving reminiscent of the "bevelled" style of Samarra.

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