A RARE FATIMID CARVED AMETHYST PENDANT, CIRCA 11TH CENTURY

拍品描述

A RARE FATIMID CARVED AMETHYST PENDANT, CIRCA 11TH CENTURY A finely carved pendant fashioned from a single translucent amethyst of delicate violet hue, worked in high relief with elegantly modelled foliate and scrolling ornament displaying the refined lapidary artistry characteristic of the Fatimid period. The gemstone is carefully polished, its luminous crystalline body revealing subtle natural colour zoning and exceptional transparency, while the deeply undercut carving creates a lively interplay of light and shadow across the sculpted surface. Particularly noteworthy are the well-preserved ferruginous mineral accretions of rich honey-orange colour, naturally retained within the carved recesses, grooves, and protected contours. These ancient mineral deposits provide an attractive archaeological surface, emphasizing the depth of the carving and creating a striking contrast with the translucent violet amethyst. Their irregular distribution contributes to the pendant’s distinctive character and authenticity. Large carved amethyst pendants from the Fatimid period are exceptionally uncommon, reflecting the dynasty’s celebrated tradition of luxury hardstone carving and the patronage of the royal workshops of medieval Cairo.40g, 6cm

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