Amulet

Unknown

18th century · Agate; inscribed · Islamic Art

This oval-shaped agate gemstone has been inscribed with verses from the Qur’an and bears the names of the Prophet Muhammad and his cousin and son-in-law ʿAli, which are written in ghubar or dust-like tiny script. It may have originally been set into a jewel—perhaps a bazuband (armband) or a pendant—and worn on the body as a talisman, where the holy verses would have protected the wearer.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Agate; inscribed

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