FATIMID GOLD "BIRD CAGE" RING WITH FILIGREE

Ca. AD 1000 - 1200 A stunning Fatimid gold ring shaped like a domed cage with two little birds inside. The ring is constructed entirely from wire filigree and granulation, with a thin gold sheet lining the interior of the hoop. The ring may have had an apotropaic function, similar to those of talismanic scrolls and tiraz fabrics also produced in the Fatimid world. For similar see: Metropolitan Museum, Accession Number: 1971.165.
Size: D:19.56mm / US: 9 3/4 / UK: T; Weight: 16g
Provenance: Private UK collection, acquired on the Belgian art market pre 1990s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.
This piece comes with an authentication report by Sami Fortune, ancient jewellery specialist.
2000
Estimate: GBP 3000 - 6000