Lot 137: AN ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHIC INSCRIBED CARNELIAN AGATE AND SILVER SIGNET RING.
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A signet ring featuring a central oval carnelian agate cabochon set within a decorated silver mount. The translucent reddish-orange stone is hand-carved with an intaglio calligraphic inscription in Arabic script. The central characters are incised to read Muhammad (محمد), positioned beneath smaller stylized characters that resemble a devotional invocation such as Ya Allah (يا الله) or similar honorary script. The calligraphic composition is framed by a thin oval border and embellished with scrolling flourishes to the right side of the stone. The stone is held in a rub-over bezel setting. The shoulders and gallery of the mount are cast in relief with symmetrical arabesque motifs, including floral and foliate scrollwork against a stippled ground to create contrast.
Condition report:
The carnelian agate shows minor surface wear and very light abrasions to the polished surface, visible under close inspection (photo 1). The intaglio carving remains crisp and well-defined. The metal mount exhibits a heavy dark patina and oxidation consistent with the style, intended to highlight the relief decoration. There are minor surface scratches and evidence of wear to the band and lower gallery consistent with age and use (photo 2).
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