Steel Mirror
[Probably Southeast Turkey, 14th Century – Seljuk]

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Anatolian metalwork shows many influences depending on where it was made.  Unfortunately only a few pieces of Seljuk metalwork made of brass, bronze and steel have survived to date.  On the back of the pictured mirror is a relief consisting of the word “Ali” in kufic script arranged to form a square.  The kufic writing is surrounded by floral and rumi motifs and an interlaced scroll border encircles the edge.  Writing has been traditionally used as a decorative element in Islamic art.  Kufic script is very suitable for decorative composition in the form of infinitely repeating patterns or single motifs and has been used as a decorative element frequently.

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The pictured necklace was inspired by the back of the mirror and is made of 18 kt. gold.  The necklace is wearable on both sides.  One side encompasses the full design on the back side of the mirror, while the other has an enlarged view of the kufic script.