Islamic 13th Century Glass Seal

A scarce Islamic 13th century AD three-sided orange glass intaglio swivel seal engraved with decorative foliate calligraphy. It is pierced on both sides lengthwise, attached to a large penannular silver hoop (not a finger-ring!). 

The orange glass is intricately engraved on one of the faces with two lines of cursive script, stylised epigraphy, and foliate terminals, typical of seals dating to around the 12th century Seljuk dynasty (Porter, 2011).

For similar dated Kufic seals with foliate terminals see items 341, 265 and 159 in ‘Arabic Seals and Amulets in the British Museum’ (Porter, 2011). Examples of seals with similar designs in the British Museum are said to depict the Prophet Muhammed and the Twelve Imams (those considered infallible under the theological concept of Isiah) whilst the tall lines represent the minarets of the Ka’bah at Mecca. The epigraphic style of these seals is also dated to the Seljuk Dynasty period (see seal 341).

The Seljuks, a Turkish dynasty of Central Asian nomadic origins, became the new rulers of eastern Islamic lands following the defeat of the powerful Ghaznavids at the Battle of Dandanakan (1040). Under the Seljuk sultanate, Iran enjoyed a period of material and cultural prosperity.

In fair condition considering the material and age, however there is a chip to the glass on one of the faces (visible in photos).

The glass seal measures 20mm x 13mm on its longest axes, the silver hoop has a diameter of 3.5cm.

在整个伊斯兰世界，从波斯、中亚到安纳托利亚与黎凡特，戒指都是一个人最私密的随身之物之一。它们既是签署文件的印章，也是祈求庇护的护身符与信仰的标志；镶嵌其上的硬石常刻有主人的姓名、虔诚的箴言或《古兰经》经文。

伊斯兰戒指横跨众多王朝，包括塞尔柱、帖木儿与萨法维王朝。11 至 13 世纪的塞尔柱金匠尤为技艺精湛，以乌银（一种黑色嵌料）与精细的金珠粒工艺加工金银。红玉髓、玛瑙、石榴石和青金石是最受青睐的宝石，常刻有优雅的库法体或纳斯赫体铭文。每一件都是可佩戴的小小历史。

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