Lot 104: A LARGE ILLUMINATED TALISMANIC SCROLL (TUMAR), POSSIBLY QAJAR IRAN OR OTTOMAN TURKEY, 19TH CENTURY.
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This talismanic scroll, known as a tumar, is executed on paper or thin vellum using gold leaf, blue pigment, and black and red inks. The scroll is divided into multiple horizontal registers featuring a combination of sacred texts and figurative imagery. The upper section contains a gold-illuminated headpiece (sarlauh) with arabesque motifs. Several calligraphic panels contain Quranic verses and invocations, including the phrase "La ilaha illa Huwa al-Hayy" (There is no god but He, the Living) set within a blue cartouche. A significant portion of the work is dedicated to depictions of demonic or mythological entities, likely jinn or divs, characterised by horns, multiple eyes, and animalistic features. These figures are rendered using the ghubar (dust) script technique, where the body forms are composed of microscopic calligraphic text. Additional symbolic elements include depictions of fish and numeric magic squares (buduh) intended for spiritual protection. The scroll is accompanied by a textured brown leather protective wrapper with an integrated leather tie.
L: Approximately 213cm
Condition report:
The scroll shows horizontal creasing consistent with long-term storage in a rolled state. There is minor wear and slight discolouration at the edges of the paper. The gold leaf and pigments remain largely intact. The leather wrapper displays surface scuffing but is structurally sound.
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