Agate Amulet

Unknown

mid-18th century · Agate; inscribed with black inlay · Islamic Art

In Iran agate has been regarded as a stone with magical and healing properties. This notched oval-shaped pendant features a selection from the Asma’ al-Husna (the 99 beautiful names of God) at the center, surrounded by the entire sura Ya Sin (sura 36) from the Qur’an. Considered the heart of the Qur’an, this sura has talismanic associations including shielding its owner/wearer from calamity and providing them with strength and courage.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-18th century

Medium

Agate; inscribed with black inlay

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Elizabeth S. Ettinghausen Gift, in memory of Richard Ettinghausen, Louise E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art and Persian Heritage Foundation Gift, 2013