Ring with Seated Lion, Iran, 12th century. Gold; inlaid with black organic compound. H. 7/8 in. (2.2 cm) W. 13/16 in. (2.1 cm) D. 5/8 in. (1.6 cm) Wt. 0.3 oz. (8.5 g). Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2007, 2007.344 © 2000–2017 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This ring with molded lion and the niello inscription—which employs a black organic compound—of the words “glory” and “prosperity” demonstrate the ubiquity of the imagery of power and protection in Seljuq art.