Amulet

18th century

Not on view

This oval-shaped agate gemstone has been inscribed with verses from the Qur’an and bears the names of the Prophet Muhammad and his cousin and son-in-law ʿAli, which are written in ghubar or dust-like tiny script. It may have originally been set into a jewel—perhaps a bazuband (armband) or a pendant—and worn on the body as a talisman, where the holy verses would have protected the wearer.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Amulet
Date: 18th century
Geography: Country of Origin Iran
Medium: Agate; inscribed
Dimensions: H. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
W. 2 in. (5.1 cm)
Classification: Stone
Credit Line: Purchase, Elizabeth S. Ettinghausen Gift, in memory of Richard Ettinghausen, Louise E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art and Persian Heritage Foundation Gift, 2013
Object Number: 2013.171
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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