The Seljuk Han of Anatolia

Seljuk metalworking 

Bronze door knocker, late 12th or early 13th c.; one of a pair found on the doors of the Ulu Cami in Cizre (Istanbul Museum of Islamic Art)

 

 

 

Most metal objects of the Seljuk period were made of copper, bronze and brass. The precious metals of silver and gold were not used.  They were cast and could have pierced or enameled decor. The popular Persian forms of the spouted vessel, mortar and candlestick continue to be produced in Anatolia. Objects specific to the Seljuks of Rum were circular weights, jewelry, garment plaques, doorknockers, and belt buckles. They used a repertoire of design elements much like those of the textile arts: small-scale naturalistic scrolls, birds and confronting animals. 

Another important metalwork activity under the Anatolian Seljuks was the minting of dated coins, appearing as early as the start of the 13th c. The coins were minted in silver and copper, and, rarely, in gold. They are decorated with kufic calligraphy, astronomical symbols of the Sultan, and lions, symbol of the Sultanate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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