Not currently on view
In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
For hundreds of years, women up and down the eastern coast of Africa wore bracelets like these as highly fashionable accessories. Simple monochromatic glass bangles first became common in Egypt beginning in the Ptolemaic Period (332–30 BCE), with multiple color chips and new designs emerging during the Roman period (30 BCE–395 CE). After the arrival of Islam in the 7th century, elaborately designed bracelets became the norm. Glass workshops continued to produce such bangles until the end of the 19th century.
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
Ancient Egyptian — Bracelet
Ancient Roman — Bracelet
China — Tubular Fitting
Germany, Schleswig — Plate
China — Cupstand
Inca — Ring with Inlay
Tibet — Earring
Ancient Roman — Bowl
Italian or Flemish — Lames (eight) of a Left Gauntlet
Ancient Egyptian — Ring: with Inlaid Openwork Bezel
China — Conical Bowl
China — Model of an Inkstone