Artwork Page for Crescent-Shaped Earring

Details / Information for Crescent-Shaped Earring

Crescent-Shaped Earring

1000–1100

Byzantium, Constantinople?, Byzantine period, 11th century

Medium
gold filigree with cloisonné enamel
Measurements
Average: 2.3 x 2.6 cm (7/8 x 1 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1946.493
Public Domain
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Location
104 Late Antiquity
Print
?

Did You Know?

Small gold cells were created to hold enamel paste of different colors; when fired, they harden and appear jewel-like.

Description

The Byzantine lady who wore this earring may also have woven similar ornaments into her hair. Those who could afford it adorned not only their body but also their clothing with glittering jewels and shimmering gold.
A gold earring features a twisted wire hoop narrowing into a thin hook. From it hangs a pendant shaped like a crescent moon, bordered by small wire loops and clusters of tiny gold spheres. A central enamel panel displays symmetrical scrolling shapes in green, cream, and dark red. Several textured gold protrusions radiate from the crescent's outer edges. The design showcases intricate filigree work framing the colorful inset panel.

Crescent-Shaped Earring

1000–1100

Byzantium, Constantinople?, Byzantine period, 11th century

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