Lot 143: A TALISMANIC CARVED CHALCEDONY AGATE PENDANT, PERSIA, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

An elongated, octagonal agate talismanic pendant of bicone or columnar form. The stone is a translucent, milky-white chalcedony featuring natural dendritic and ribbon-like inclusions in shades of rust-brown and ochre. Each of the eight longitudinal facets is densely incised with multiple lines of Arabic calligraphy. The calligraphy is executed in a flowing naskh or thuluth script, typical of Islamic devotional and protective objects. One facet displays four small, dark-stained circular drill holes, likely intended for a previous metal mounting or suspension loops. The object tapers at both ends to blunt pyramidal points. The surface is covered in hand-incised characters of the Arabic alphabet arranged in dense horizontal bands across each facet. Visible characters include alif, lam, mim, and ha. While a literal transcription is not possible from visual inspection, such items typically feature the Ayat al-Kursi (Throne Verse) from the Quran, the Asma al-Husna (99 Names of God), or various protective prayers (duas). 

L: 5.5cm