The art of metalwork has been one of the
principal forms of artistic expression in the
Islamic world. Responding to the taste and needs
of different social and economic classes, artists
continuously explored the technical and
decorative potential of their materials to
transform simple, functional objects into highly
refined works of art. This silver ring is a
beautiful example of the mastery of metalwork
by Islamic artists, even when working on such a
personal, intimate level. Set into the center of
this ring is an antique Islamic coin, itself an
object of Oriental splendor. The obverse of the
coin features a calligraphic text. Because
idolatry is forbidden in Islam, much like in
Judaism and Christianity, calligraphy developed
into one of the highest art forms in the Muslim
world. Artists, who were confined to abstract
subject matters, sought to transform the words
of the Koran themselves into art so that the
words of Allah, as transcribed by the profit
Mohammed, become as pleasing to the eye as
they are to the ear. Alongside calligraphy,
Muslim artists embraced geometric and floral
decorative motifs that filled the bodies of their
vessels, the borders of their manuscripts, and
stones of their buildings. The silver setting of
this ring features intricate incised patterns so
that virtually no exposed part of the ring remains
unadorned. We can imagine this ring resting on
the finger of a wealthy Egyptian centuries ago.
Today, it is a stunning symbol of the wealth and
beauty of the arts of Islam.
- (FJ.6680)
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