A small, statuette-size sculpture represents Cupid (Eros in Greek art) holding a big bird against his chest. The motif comes back to the Hellenistic art that introduced several charming representations of children or Erotes with their pets, little dogs or birds
The body, which has a flat, circular base but does not ensure the vessel is well balanced, is hemispherical in shape: it has been carved with great precision. The lid, with its domed profile, depicts the body of a bird in a simple, stylised manner: it features a central, triangular knob and a small side handle, which correspond respectively to the bird’s head and tail.
The pendant is a small masterpiece of Islamic jewelry: it combines several materials and crafting techniques common among Near Eastern goldsmiths of the time. This supports a stylized bird figurine, whose plumage is rendered in dark red and black enamel.
