Medieval Islamic Bronze Decorative Mount

Decorative tri-lobed bronze mount from the Islamic world, from Central Asia/Afghanistan, most likely the Ghazni or Herat region. The style is consistent with similar items from c 10th - 13th CE (High Medieval Period) throughout the Islamic world as well as central Asia and Iran.

Flat, cast bronze with multiple pierced holes , symmetrical openwork shape and three lobed terminals. One of the bails at the end is missing, as per the pictures.

This mount is typical of fittings used to decorate belts, harnesses, book covers, caskets and furniture items during this period. Comparable items generally have pierced holes for attachment and riveting onto wood, leather and fabric. The back of this item is slightly concave, which is a functional casting device indicating that it likely sat against leather or fabric.