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Islamic World · c. 700 – today

Talismanic seals & engraved stones

Meaning

Engraved stones, often carnelian (aqiq), carry prayers, verses, the Names of God, the Seal of Solomon or the names of the Prophet's family. Carnelian was especially blessed because the Prophet is said to have worn it.

Intent

They were worn as rings or pendants for protection, blessing and success. Some were for sealing documents, and many for Shi'a devotion, bearing the names of the Imams. The stone and the text worked together.

Significance

They show the Islamic art of calligraphy on a tiny scale, and the tradition of blessed stones connects Islamic practice with ancient lapidary lore.

History

Engraved talismanic stones are known from the early Islamic centuries and are especially common in Safavid and Qajar Iran (16th–19th centuries) and in Mughal India.

Making yours
1–5 cm. Carve cabochons or plaques in agate, carnelian or nephrite. Fine for rotary-tool practice on soft stone first.
Islamic World: the tradition

Islamic theology distinguishes forbidden amulets (tama'im, charms trusted in themselves) from permitted protection by God's word, so the characteristic Islamic amulet is textual: Qur'anic verses, especially the Throne Verse (2:255) and the last two suras, the Mu'awwidhatayn, along with the Ninety-Nine Names of God, magic squares (wafq) and the Seal of Solomon. Scholars such as al-Buni (d. 1225) wrote manuals of letter and number magic. The hand of Fatima and the blue eye bead came from pre-Islamic Mediterranean practice and remained hugely popular. Talismanic art reached a peak at the Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal courts in shirts, armour, bowls and seals.

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Amulet in the Form of a Seated Figure with Bovine HeadAmulet in the Form of a Seated Figure with Bovine HeadNortheast China, Neolithic period, probably Hongshan culture (4700–2920 BCE) · c. 4700–2920 BCEAmulet, smooth faces and polished, white nephrite jade, Varanasi, mid-20th centuryAmulet, smooth faces and polished, white nephrite jade, Varanasi, mid-20th centuryVaranasi · mid 20th centuryAmulet, generally oval, white nephrite jade, inscribed, IndiaAmulet, generally oval, white nephrite jade, inscribed, IndiaIndia · 19th centuryJewelled jade pendant, Mughal court, cJewelled jade pendant, Mughal court, cAgra · ca.1610-20Amulet of a Stamp SealAmulet of a Stamp SealEgypt · Late Period, Dynasties 26–31 (664–332 BCE)Amulet, white nephrite jade, inset flower and foliage decoration in gold and gems, Delhi IndiaAmulet, white nephrite jade, inset flower and foliage decoration in gold and gems, Delhi IndiaDelhiAmulet depicting the royal child title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting the royal child " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting the royal child " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante il bambino regale"Amulet depicting the royal child title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting the royal child " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting the royal child " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante il bambino regale"between 1540 and 1076 BC date QS:P,-1500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-1540-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-1076-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 EAmulet Carved in Intaglio (Incised)Amulet Carved in Intaglio (Incised)6th–7th centuryThree cylinder seals carved in intaglio and one fragment of an amulet, Babylonian, from Senkereh (Sinkara), IrThree cylinder seals carved in intaglio and one fragment of an amulet, Babylonian, from Senkereh (Sinkara), IrJadean pendant, used as an amuletJadean pendant, used as an amuletNetherlandsHögtider amulet from People's Republic of ChinaHögtider amulet from People's Republic of ChinaPeople's Republic of ChinaAmulet pendant, dated 1619-1620 (1029H)Amulet pendant, dated 1619-1620 (1029H)IndiaSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptEgyptSacred Talisman with divine names to cure diseases, 16th c.Sacred Talisman with divine names to cure diseases, 16th c.United KingdomAmulet, oblong, carved flower and leaf design for insetting and inlay, white nephrite jade, carved, Varanasi, Amulet, oblong, carved flower and leaf design for insetting and inlay, white nephrite jade, carved, Varanasi, Varanasi · early 20th centuryAmulet, generally oval, scalloped ends, white nephrite jade, Persian inscription, Mughal empireAmulet, generally oval, scalloped ends, white nephrite jade, Persian inscription, Mughal empireIndia · 19th centuryAmulet depicting the royal child title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting the royal child " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting the royal child " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante il bambino regale"Amulet depicting the royal child title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting the royal child " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting the royal child " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante il bambino regale"between 1540 and 1076 BC date QS:P,-1500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-1540-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-1076-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 EMET h1 02.18.309MET h1 02.18.3096th–9th centuryJewellery, silver carnelian, engraved, IndiaJewellery, silver carnelian, engraved, IndiaK-11004-047K-11004-047People's Republic of ChinaSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptEgyptAn amulet, carved as a rose, white nephrite jade, inset diamond and other stones in gold or gilt metal, MughalAn amulet, carved as a rose, white nephrite jade, inset diamond and other stones in gold or gilt metal, MughalIndiaHorizon amulet title QS:P1476,en:"Horizon amulet " label QS:Len,"Horizon amulet " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante l'orizzonte"Horizon amulet title QS:P1476,en:"Horizon amulet " label QS:Len,"Horizon amulet " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante l'orizzonte"between 722 and 30 BC date QS:P,-0500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-0722-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-0030-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 LateJewellery, yellow carneliansJewellery, yellow carneliansK-11004-049K-11004-049People's Republic of ChinaSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptEgyptAmulet, generally oval, white nephrite jade, engraved with floral design and cavities for inset stones, IndiaAmulet, generally oval, white nephrite jade, engraved with floral design and cavities for inset stones, IndiaIndiaAmulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"Amulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"between 722 and 332 BC date QS:P,-0500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-0722-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-0332-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 LatJewellery, red carneliansJewellery, red carneliansK-11004-044K-11004-044People's Republic of ChinaSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptEgyptAn amulet pendant, heart shaped, white nephrite jade, inset ruby, gold setting, IndiaAn amulet pendant, heart shaped, white nephrite jade, inset ruby, gold setting, IndiaIndiaAmulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"Amulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"between 722 and 332 BC date QS:P,-0500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-0722-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-0332-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 LatK-11004-050K-11004-050People's Republic of ChinaSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptEgyptModified oval, brown and grey, banded agate, cut and polished, drill hole, IndiaModified oval, brown and grey, banded agate, cut and polished, drill hole, IndiaIndiaAmulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"Amulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"between 722 and 332 BC date QS:P,-0500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-0722-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-0332-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 LatK-11000-154K-11000-154People's Republic of ChinaSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptEgyptAmulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"Amulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"between 722 and 332 BC date QS:P,-0500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-0722-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-0332-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 LatNM-1920-0224NM-1920-0224People's Republic of ChinaSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptSeal, sigill amulet from EgyptEgyptAmulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"Amulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"between 722 and 332 BC date QS:P,-0500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-0722-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-0332-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 LatNM-1920-0227NM-1920-0227People's Republic of ChinaSeal@eng, amulet@eng, sigill amulet from EgyptSeal@eng, amulet@eng, sigill amulet from EgyptEgyptAmulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"Amulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"between 722 and 332 BC date QS:P,-0500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-0722-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-0332-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 LatK-11000-135K-11000-135People's Republic of ChinaAmulet@eng, seal@eng, sigill amulet from EgyptAmulet@eng, seal@eng, sigill amulet from EgyptEgyptAmulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"Amulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"between 722 and 332 BC date QS:P,-0500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-0722-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-0332-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 LatK-11000-136K-11000-136People's Republic of ChinaSeal@eng, amulet@eng, sigill amulet from EgyptSeal@eng, amulet@eng, sigill amulet from EgyptEgyptAmulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"Amulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"between 722 and 332 BC date QS:P,-0500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-0722-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-0332-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 LatHögtider amulet from People's Republic of ChinaHögtider amulet from People's Republic of ChinaPeople's Republic of ChinaAmulet@eng, seal@eng, sigill amulet from EgyptAmulet@eng, seal@eng, sigill amulet from EgyptEgyptAmulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"Amulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"between 722 and 332 BC date QS:P,-0500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-0722-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-0332-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 LatHögtider amulet from People's Republic of ChinaHögtider amulet from People's Republic of ChinaPeople's Republic of ChinaSeal@eng, amulet@eng, sigill amulet from EgyptSeal@eng, amulet@eng, sigill amulet from EgyptEgyptAmulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"Amulet depicting a seal title QS:P1476,en:"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Len,"Amulet depicting a seal " label QS:Lit,"Amuleto raffigurante un sigillo"between 722 and 332 BC date QS:P,-0500-00-00T00:00:00Z/6,P1319,-0722-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,-0332-00-00T00:00:00Z/9 LatHögtider amulet from People's Republic of ChinaHögtider amulet from People's Republic of ChinaPeople's Republic of ChinaAmulet@eng, seal@eng, jewellery@eng, sigill, jewellery amulet from EgyptAmulet@eng, seal@eng, jewellery@eng, sigill, jewellery amulet from EgyptEgypt

More from Islamic World: Khamsa / Hand of Fatima · Nazar evil-eye beads · Qur’an & amulet cases (hirz, ta’wiz) · Talismanic scrolls & sheets · Talismanic shirts & textiles · Maghreb & Tuareg silver · Other & unsorted Islamic World
Every type in the gallery

Anything in the gallery can be made: any piece, any tradition, in its own material or yours, by hand from the documented original. Numbered. Price on commission, quoted before anything is made. I reply within one business day.