Lot 26: AN ISLAMIC CARVED CARNELIAN AGATE INTAGLIO SEAL.
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A carved carnelian agate intaglio seal of oval cabochon form. The translucent reddish-orange stone features natural white and grey banding visible along the side profile. The face of the piece is hand-engraved with intricate cursive calligraphy, featuring a central oval medallion enclosed by a continuous border of stylized script, likely containing Islamic prayers or religious verses. The fields are densely filled with decorative diacritics and nuqta to minimise negative space. A small, circular drill hole runs through the horizontal axis, indicating the piece was intended for suspension as an amulet or pendant.
Condition report:
The seal appears in good overall condition with sharp definition maintained to the intaglio carving. Minor surface wear and faint scratches consistent with age and handling are visible across the face and polished reverse (photo 1, photo 2). The horizontal drill hole shows slight internal debris and minor chipping around the entry rims (photo 3), typical of historical lapidary drilling techniques. A natural chalcedony inclusion band runs through the centre of the stone (photo 3).
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