Lot 242: AN ENGRAVED SILVER PERSIAN TALISMANIC SUFI AMULET, ZAND OR QAJAR, 18TH CENTURY

The piece is of a scalloped shield-like form with a pointed base, surmounted by a suspension bail featuring two loops and a decorative beaded band. The front face is densely decorated with chased and engraved motifs against a pounced ground. The central field features an oval cartouche containing a stylised floral bouquet, flanked by two traditional boteh or paisley motifs. The surrounding horizontal registers are filled with Arabic calligraphy in a clear Naskh script. The inscription follows the Quranic text of Surah Al-Qalam (68:51-52), traditionally used for protection against the evil eye (Nazar). The text reads: And indeed, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes when they hear the message, and they say, Indeed, he is mad. But it is not except a reminder to the worlds. The reverse is plain, displaying the concave impressions from the chasing work on the front.

L: 7cm