Seal Ring with Inscription

Unknown

late 15th–early 16th century · Gold, cast and chased; nephrite, carved · Islamic Art

This magnificent gold ring holds a jade stone engraved with religious verses known as the Nad-i 'Ali, an invocation to 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. The text is written in mirror reverse, suggesting that the stone may once have served as a seal. Further tiny poetic inscriptions—in cartouches around the golden bezel—contain prayerlike verses, perhaps invested with apotropaic qualities, placed there to ensure the safety of its wearer.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 15th–early 16th century

Medium

Gold, cast and chased; nephrite, carved

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1912