Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Ashmolean − Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Catalogue of Islamic Seals and Talismans

A catalogue of seals and talismans housed at the Ashmolean from the 8th to 19th century Islamic world, by Ludvik Kalus (published Oxford, 1986).

Islamic Seals and Talismans by Ludvik Kalus

Publications online: 237 objects

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Oval bezel amulet with naskhi inscription

  • loan

Location

    • currently in research collection

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Publications online

  • Islamic Seals and Talismans by Ludvik Kalus

    Catalogue of Islamic Seals and Talismans

    Cornelian; bezel (but the front face is slightly rounded), bevelled towards the front; oval; back angle is cut; slightly broken. Decoratively arranged ensemble. In the central part there is the word 'Muḥammad' placed horizontally. Beneath, from the right to the left are the words ‘Alī and walī. The shafts of the lāms in these two words cross the basic line in the word 'Muḥammad' and form two loops above. Between the two loops, there is a word nabī. Inside each loop is the group of letters li-llāh. Perhaps a part of each loop should be taken as being the alif for the the word Allāh. Engraved.

    Muḥammad is the Prophet of God, ‘Alī is the Sincere Friend of God محمد نبي الله على ولى الله

    One line follows the shape of the gem.
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