Seljuk Hinged Gold Bracelet
Circa 12th century A.D.. Constructed from gold sheet wrapped around a crescent-shaped core tapering towards the ends and over-wrapped with thin gold wire forming diagonal narrow bands; the body terminating in a wirework clasp with four small domed motifs surrounded by granulated circles and hinge pin between. Cf. Allan, J.W., The Metalworking Industry in Iran in the Early Islamic Period, volume II, Oxford, 1976, fig.13, for similar. 28.7 grams, 70.5 mm (2 3/4 in.).

From a private family collection formed in the 1970s.This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12102-214104.

Seljuk metalwork with Islamic traditions was characterised by the use of geometric and plant motifs in order to fill blank spaces, a coherent combination of colours, and abstinence from using gold and silver. Decorative motifs in metal items in the Seljuk era are, therefore, mainly geometric plant figures, inscriptions, animal and fictional figures compatible with Islamic tradition, with the focus on plant figures and geometric elements like the one visible on our bracelet.