Lot 148: A PERSIAN ENGRAVED TALISMANIC BRASS KHAMASA HAND OF FATIMA STANDARD FINIAL, QAJAR, 19TH CENTURY

This object is a brass or copper alloy plaque in the form of a hand, identified as a panja (Persian for hand) or Hand of Fatima. The piece was originally designed as a finial for an alam, a processional standard used in Shia religious ceremonies. The front surface is extensively decorated with incised Arabic calligraphy, primarily in Naskh and Thuluth styles. The central band on the palm features the Shia motto La fata illa Ali, la sayf illa Dhul-Fiqar (There is no hero but Ali, there is no sword but Dhul-Fiqar). Each of the five fingers bears a vertical inscription naming the Panj-tan-e Pak: Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hassan, and Husayn. The lower section of the palm contains multiple horizontal rows of religious invocations. Small six-petalled floral rosettes serve as decorative spacers between the text. The borders are defined by simple engraved lines. The item is cast, with the front polished to highlight the engravings while the reverse remains unworked, showing a rough, pitted surface and a thick green and brown patina. It is currently secured to a modern black metal display stand with a square base.

L: 9cm