Lot 42: A LARGE ISLAMIC CARVED HONEY CARNELIAN CALLIGRAPHIC AMULET PLAQUE.
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An oval carnelian plaque of deep translucent honey-to-brown hue, featuring intricate hand-carved calligraphic and geometric decoration. The face is worked in a combination of high-relief and intaglio techniques. The central horizontal axis is dominated by a calligraphic inscription in a stylized thuluth script reading ماشاء الله (Ma Sha Allah), which translates as God has willed it. The characters are rendered with a smooth surface finish, standing out against a densely textured background.
The negative space surrounding the script is entirely filled with a meticulous cross-hatched lattice pattern. This background is further embellished with stylized teardrop and leaf-like motifs interspersed within the calligraphic loops, demonstrating a horror vacui aesthetic common in Islamic lapidary arts. The entire composition is enclosed within a double-line border; the inner section contains a series of regularly spaced circular drill points creating a beaded effect, while the outer edge is finished with a thin polished line.
Condition report:
The item is in excellent condition. The carving remains crisp across the entire surface with no visible losses or blunting to the fine lattice work (photo 2). The polished edges and reverse show no significant chips, cracks, or fractures (photo 1). There is minor surface wear and very light abrasions consistent with age and handling, but these do not detract from the legibility of the script or the integrity of the geometric ground.
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