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An exceptional Seljuk intaglio ring dating from the 12th century, crafted in silver and set with a rectangular carnelian seal. The intaglio is engraved in angular Kufic script, dating it stylistically to the 9th–12th centuries (Porter, 2011), and features a flat-cut base with bevelled edges typical of Islamic seals from the 8th–11th century.The silver mount is ornately decorated with chased and nielloed arabesque designs, including a rare surviving niello lattice on the underside of the bezel. The bezel is constructed with four short prongs and retains a decorative casting knob at the base—an iconic feature of Seljuk rings.For a closely related example, see item 27 in Islamic Rings and Gems: The Benjamin Zucker Collection (1987).The ring shows signs of a repair to one corner, and the band is slightly distorted but remains comfortably wearable. The carnelian itself is in very good condition; what appears to be surface scratching is actually wax residue from historical sealing use, and can be removed if desired.Size & Condition:UK size L½ (US 6)Bezel: 16 x 12 mmWeight: 5.45gIn overall excellent condition for its age—over 850 years old—and remarkably wearable.The Seljuks, a Central Asian dynasty of Turkish origin, ruled much of the Islamic world between the 11th and 13th centuries.
An exceptional Seljuk intaglio ring dating from the 12th century, crafted in silver and set with a rectangular carnelian seal. The intaglio is engraved in angular Kufic script, dating it stylistically to the 9th–12th centuries (Porter, 2011), and features a flat-cut base with bevelled edges typical of Islamic seals from the 8th–11th century.
The silver mount is ornately decorated with chased and nielloed arabesque designs, including a rare surviving niello lattice on the underside of the bezel. The bezel is constructed with four short prongs and retains a decorative casting knob at the base—an iconic feature of Seljuk rings.
For a closely related example, see item 27 in Islamic Rings and Gems: The Benjamin Zucker Collection (1987).
The ring shows signs of a repair to one corner, and the band is slightly distorted but remains comfortably wearable. The carnelian itself is in very good condition; what appears to be surface scratching is actually wax residue from historical sealing use, and can be removed if desired.
Size & Condition:
UK size L½ (US 6)
Bezel: 16 x 12 mm
Weight: 5.45g
In overall excellent condition for its age—over 850 years old—and remarkably wearable.
The Seljuks, a Central Asian dynasty of Turkish origin, ruled much of the Islamic world between the 11th and 13th centuries.
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