Lot 37: A PERSIAN INTAGLIO ENGRAVED YELLOW AGATE AND SILVER SIGNET RING.
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A signet-style talismanic ring featuring a large rectangular yellow agate stone, deeply intaglio-engraved with calligraphy. The stone is divided into three horizontal registers by two engraved lines, containing flowing Nasta’liq or Shikasteh script, likely in Persian. The engraving is interspersed with decorative six-petaled floral rosettes and retains traces of a black substance within the recesses to highlight the script. The stone is set in a silver mount with a split-shoulder design, each shoulder featuring a cast stylized foliate or fleur-de-lis motif. The reverse of the stone is visible through the open-backed setting. No maker’s marks, hallmarks, or signatures are visible on the metalwork or the stone. The style of calligraphy and the choice of yellow stone, often associated with Sharaf al-Shams or other protective talismanic traditions, suggests an origin in the Qajar period or later, possibly from the Persian or Ottoman cultural sphere.
Condition report:
The yellow stone shows minor surface abrasions and internal natural inclusions visible under magnification (photo 2). The intaglio engraving contains a black residue, likely an intentional pigment or accumulated tarnish, which varies in density across the face (photo 3). The silver-toned metal setting shows signs of wear, oxidation, and tarnish, particularly concentrated in the recessed details of the decorative shoulders (photo 1). The ring band appears slightly misshapen and out of round from use (photo 4). No major chips or cracks are visible to the stone.
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