Lot 144: AN INSCRIBED SUFI BLOODSTONE TALISMANIC AMULET PENDANT, IRAN, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

A carved bloodstone talismanic amulet of shield-like form with a flared and pierced top for suspension. The dark green jasper stone features characteristic red hematite inclusions. Both faces are finely incised with calligraphic inscriptions and figurative elements, with the recessed lines containing a white pigment infill to enhance legibility against the dark stone. Side A displays a central field with the Zulfiqar (bifurcated sword of Ali) shown as crossed blades. The inscriptions include the Quranic verse from Surah Al-Anbiya (21:87) and the phrase La fata illa Ali (There is no hero but Ali). The borders and central panel are filled with dense Naskh or Thuluth script containing religious invocations. Side B features a stylized quadruped, likely a horse, in the lower central panel. The top register is inscribed with the Basmala. The surrounding borders contain calligraphic text including the Ayat al-Kursi (Throne Verse). 

L: 5cm