Lot 278: A LARGE DATED ISLAMIC SILVER MOUNTED CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SEAL, 18TH CENTURY

An antique octagonal carnelian intaglio seal of Islamic origin, set within a silver mount. The seal face is engraved in reverse with two registers of Nasta’liq calligraphy, divided by a central horizontal line and set against a field of delicate floral and foliate sprigs. The style of engraving and the floral motifs are characteristic of late 18th-century Persian or Ottoman craftsmanship. The lower register features an engraved date in Arabic numerals, reading ١١٩٢ (1192), which corresponds to the Hijri year 1192 AH, approximately 1778 AD. The stone is held within a plain silver frame attached to a flared octagonal base. The mount is completed by a ring-turned, tapered silver handle. The reverse of the silver base plate is embellished with six applied decorative scrolling motifs.

L: 5.3cm