An exceptionally Fine and Rare Wheel-cut Aquamarine Pendant, Probably Fatimid Egypt, 10th-11th Century

of pear-shape, both sides wheel-cut with two bilaterally symmetrical palmettes and leaf scrolls, the top with drill hole for suspension

In overall good condition, with few internal hairline cracks, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Although cut stone pendants are known from the earliest Islamic period (such as the ninth/tenth-century finds from Nishapur and the two wheel-cut carnelians sold in these rooms, 16 October 2002, lot 37), the tradition of wheel-cutting hardstones reached a peak of technical and artistic refinement in Egypt during the period of Fatimid rule (969-1171). The group of rock crystal ewers, vessels and assorted artefacts associated with royal Fatimid patronage and dispersed at various stages from the treasury in Cairo is well known and well documented. Carved and wheel-cut gemstones are much rarer.

The present example shares much in common with Fatimid rock crystals, both technically and stylistically. The technique of bevel cutting and decorative motifs such as the paired palmettes and leaf scrolls affords us probable grounds to conclude that this was made in a Cairene workshop for a member of the Fatimid court.

Aquamarine (from Latin aqua marina, "water of the sea") is a pale blue or turquoise variety of beryl. It occurs at most localities which yield ordinary beryl, some of the finest coming from Russia and Sri Lanka. The bluish tint of typical aquamarine, caused by small traces of iron, is often termed 'Oriental aquamarine' whilst the deep blue version is called maxixe. The colour of the stone can fade to white when exposed to direct sunlight or when subjected to extreme heat, though the colour returns with irradiation.

This pendant would have been worn as a talisman to protect the owner from harm. The aquamarine is traditionally believed to alleviate tension and reduce fear and anxiety, as well as mollifying aches and pains. In medieval times people widely believed in the physical as well as metaphysical properties of different minerals and scholars wrote extensively about them. One such was the Persian polymath, Abu al-Rayhan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni (973-1048), whose list of notable publications includes a celebrated treatise on gemology, Kitab al-Jawahir, or "Book of Precious Stones".