Name: Andalusian Gold Zoomorphic Pendant - 9th to 11th Century CE | Pseudo-Arabic Calligraphy
Brand: Exclusive Collectibles
SKU: 100074
Price: 1633.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Andalusian Gold Zoomorphic Pendant - 9th to 11th Century CE | Pseudo-Arabic Calligraphy

$1,633.00

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Estimated time period from 900CE
Size is 30 mm and weight is 5.82 g

Certificate of Authenticity
Checked against Art Loss Register
Provenance Information

We offer unique items, only one available
We offer unique pieces, item sold

Unearth the mystique of Andalusia with this 9th-century gold pendant featuring pseudo-Arabic calligraphy and a captivating frog motif. A treasure from the Islamic Golden Age, showcasing the blend of Arab influence on European artistry. Its distinguished provenance and authenticity, verified by Apollo Galleries, make it a priceless find for collectors.

Step into the splendor of the Islamic Golden Age with this remarkable Andalusian Gold Pendant. From the 9th to the 11th Century CE, during a time when Arab Andalusians were pioneers in the arts and sciences, this pendant was crafted, reflecting the grandeur and intellectual might of the era. Its diameter measures 30mm and it weighs 5.82 grams, exuding both elegance and historical significance.

Encircling the edge is pseudo-Arabic calligraphy, a feature that speaks to the pendant's authenticity and craftsmanship. At its heart lies an intricately designed openwork frog, symbolizing transformation and fertility in many cultures, and often associated with water and life—essential elements in the arid landscapes of Andalusia.

The inscription, resembling stylized Kufic script, begins with the Arabic phrase "bismillah," or "in the name of God," a traditional commencement of texts in Islamic culture. This script could also represent a form of quality assurance, mirroring the trusted high carat of Islamic coinage that circulated widely in Europe during this period.

This pendant's condition is excellent, having been meticulously checked against the Art Loss Register. It carries a certificate of authenticity from Apollo Galleries and was previously held in a private UK collection, and before that, in the collection of Mr. R. Unger, acquired in the 1980s on the UK art market.

For the avid collector, this piece not only offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Andalusia but also serves as a bridge between Islamic and European traditions, a testament to the enduring legacy of the era's artistic achievements.

Arabs, Gold, Jewelry, Pendant, Wearable

The pendant in the images is a stunning example of Andalusian art from the 9th Century CE, distinguished by its pseudo-Arabic calligraphy and central openwork frog design. The use of calligraphy around the edge is emblematic of the Islamic Golden Age's appreciation for written language as an art form. The frog motif is less common, suggesting a unique cultural or personal significance, potentially making this piece quite rare. The craftsmanship and symbolism reflected in this pendant would have signified a deep appreciation for knowledge and possibly a connection to the natural world.