Description:

A RECTANGULAR CALLIGRAPHIC JADE PLAQUE, SAFAVID IRAN, 17TH CENTURY
Safavid Iran, 17th century

Description:
A rectangular green jade plaque meticulously carved with Arabic inscriptions in elegant naskh script across its polished surface. The text is arranged in tight horizontal lines and framed within a subtly incised border of interlacing scrollwork. A small suspension hole at the top suggests the plaque was designed to be worn or attached to a garment or object. The jade is of a rich, even tone, lightly mottled and expertly finished.

The layout and finesse of the inscription, combined with the smooth, high-quality jade, suggest this was a personal devotional item, likely commissioned by a person of high standing. The carving remains crisp and legible, with only minor signs of age and use.

Dimensions:
Length x Width: 4 x 3cm

Comparable examples:

  • A Safavid jade inscribed plaque, Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, London, 25 April 2018, Lot 64, sold for £5,625. 

  • A similar calligraphic jade talisman, Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, London, 22 October 2019, Lot 78, sold for £4,750. 

  • A rectangular inscribed jade in the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, inv. no. AKM565, published in Spirit & Life: Masterpieces of Islamic Art from the Aga Khan Museum Collection, 2007.

Provenance:
Private European collection

Note:
During the Safavid period, jade was prized not only for its beauty and resilience but also for its spiritual connotations. Plaques such as this served both devotional and ornamental purposes, often inscribed with verses of protection or praise. The precision of the carving and the refined script style align this example with the courtly taste and high craftsmanship of 17th-century Persia.

 

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

PLAKAS

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000