Lot 55: A TRIO OF ISLAMIC METAL PRINTING BLOCKS MOUNTED ON WOOD, INDIA, LATE 19TH CENTURY

This set comprises three metal printing blocks, also known as cliches, used for letterpress printing of Islamic texts. Each block consists of a relief-cast metal plate, likely composed of a lead-based type metal or zinc alloy, mounted onto a solid, dark-stained wooden support. The printing surfaces feature between 10 and 12 lines of reversed Arabic calligraphy executed in a clear Naskh style. The text is organised into horizontal registers separated by rules and is contained within a simple linear border. Decorative scrollwork is visible at the top corners of the plates. The metal plates are secured to the timber blocks using small metal pins. Small incised characters are present at the top centre of the plates, serving as page or folio numbers for the printer; the leftmost plate is marked with the numerals ١٧ (17). The reverse of one block bears a fragment of a beige paper label with handwritten Arabic script, including the phrase wa-ma bayna (and what is between).

L: 15.5cm