An Islamic Gold, Garnet, and Turquoise Bead Necklace, Middle Islamic/Byzantine Period, ca. 8th - 9th century CE Byzantine acquired from the UK trade

acquired from the UK trade in 2022

cocked to the left for the bright

and form strongly associate this piece with the militarized aristocracy of early Kievan Rus

represented by its head and tubular body that rests on a stylized lion mask

An Islamic Gold, Garnet, and Turquoise Bead Necklace, Middle Islamic/Byzantine Period, ca. 8th - 9th century CE Byzantine acquired from the UK tradeA single strand necklace composed of eighteen large, highly detailed, gold beads of openwork design embellished by filigree and granulation, each having repeating stylized cross elements with roundel borders, and set with four deep red garnets. They are interspersed with later rich Persian turquoise ball beads. Modern strung, with modern turquoise inlaid gold clasp. Originally called piruzeh in Persian, the gem has spiritual value in Persian culture