Description:

: AN INSCRIBED AGATE ZULFIQAR MADE FOR HAJJ SAFFEIR & AMAL SAYYED REZA, 19TH CENTURY, PERSIA
Qajar Iran, 19th century

Description:
A highly unusual inscribed agate talisman in the form of a zulfiqar, the bifurcated sword associated with Imam ʿAli. The object has been finely carved with clear bifurcation at the tip and tapering, symmetrical sides. Both sides are inscribed with Arabic calligraphy, the principal side bearing a dedication naming Hajj Saffeir and Amal Sayyed Reza, possibly the patron and artisan or a devout recipient.

The stone is smooth and semi-translucent with a warm, amber tone, polished to a high finish. Engraving remains sharp and clearly legible. This form is extremely rare and would have likely held deep Shiʿa religious and symbolic significance, possibly serving as a talisman or commemorative gift.

Dimensions:
Length: 12cm

Comparable examples:

  • An inscribed agate talisman in the form of a zulfiqar, Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, London, 22 April 2015, Lot 112, sold for £6,875. 

  • A Qajar agate talisman with script naming ʿAli, Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, London, 25 April 2018, Lot 96, sold for £5,625. 

  • A carved agate sword-form pendant with Shiʿa inscriptions, Khalili Collection, published in Spirit and Life: Masterpieces of Islamic Art from the Khalili Collection, 2007.

Note:
The zulfiqar form is one of the most potent symbols in Shiʿa Islam, representing bravery, faith, and divine justice. Carved talismans of this nature were often cherished as devotional objects, especially when inscribed with names and invocations. This example stands out for its combination of personal dedication and bold iconographic design, rare even within the rich corpus of Qajar hardstone carving

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
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Bid Increments
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£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