Lot 21: A PERSIAN TALISMANIC YELLOW CHALCEDONY INTAGLIO SEAL STONE WITH NADI ALI INSCRIPTION.
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A Persian talismanic seal or amulet stone, crafted from translucent yellow chalcedony. The stone is carved in an oval cabochon form with a flat face, featuring a deep honey-yellow hue throughout. The face is decorated with an intricate intaglio engraving consisting of three horizontal registers of Arabic calligraphy separated by linear dividers. The script is executed in a fluid, decorative Nasta’liq style. The recessed areas of the engraving have a matte, frosted finish which provides a sharp visual contrast against the highly polished surface of the gemstone.
The calligraphic inscription is the Nadi Ali prayer, a well-known Shia supplication. The top register begins with the invocation Ya Ali (O Ali), followed by the first verses of the prayer: Nadi Aliyan mazhar al-aja’ib (Call upon Ali, the manifester of wonders). The text continues through the middle and lower registers: Tajidhu awnan laka fi’l-nawa’ib / Kullu hammin wa gammin sayanjali / Bi-wilayatika ya Ali ya Ali ya Ali (You will find him a helper in difficulties / Every care and grief will vanish / Through your guardianship, O Ali, O Ali, O Ali).
Condition report:
The gemstone appears to be in excellent condition with no visible faults. The polished face and reverse show no significant scratches, abrasions, or wear (photos 1 and 2). The edges of the intaglio engraving are crisp and well-defined, with no chips or losses to the characters. The stone appears structurally sound with no internal fractures or surface-reaching cracks visible in the provided images.
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