The Seljuk Han of Anatolia

Seljuk metalwork

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 often displayed pierced or enameled decor. The popular Persian forms of the spouted vessel, mortar and candlestick produced by the Great Seljuks continued to be popular in Anatolia. Objects specific to the the production of the Seljuks of Rum included circular weights, jewelry, garment plaques, doorknockers, and belt buckles. They used a repertoire of design elements similar to  those of the textile arts: small-scale naturalistic scrolls, birds and confronting animals. 

The minting of dated coins was another important metalwork activity under the Anatolian Seljuks, and started to appear as early as the start of the 13th c. The coins were minted in silver and copper, and in rare cases, in gold. These coins are decorated with elements such as kufic calligraphy, astronomical symbols of the Sultan, and lions, symbol of the Sultanate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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