Ottoman Empire Silver Swivel Ring with Carnelian Intaglio...

Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. Very impressive antique Ottoman Empire Islamic silver swivel ring. The ring is fitted with a rotating oval carnelian intaglio mounted on a small pivot between two silver posts. The engraved stone shows Arabic calligraphy on all three sides, reading Ya Husayn, meaning “O Husayn”, surrounded by several small pellet motifs arranged in the field. The invocation refers to Imam Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and a central figure of Islamic devotion. The unusual silver ring is constructed with a riveted swivel mechanism allowing the engraved stone to rotate freely within the setting. The stone itself appears to be drilled through the centre and mounted on a pivot pin, suggesting that the engraved agate may originally have been a bead or amuletic seal later incorporated into the ring. The shoulders are decorated with engraved vegetal and geometric ornamentation. Small applied gilt plaques with stylised leaf-shaped forms are attached to the sides of the swivel mount, secured with small rivets. Additional raised circular bosses appear on the outer shoulders. The band widens towards the shoulders and tapers again towards the back, remaining solid and comfortable to wear. -> Devotional inscriptions invoking Imam Husayn were widely used throughout the Islamic world and were believed to carry protective and spiritual significance. Rings bearing such inscriptions functioned not only as personal ornaments but also as expressions of religious devotion. The riveted swivel construction and applied gilt plaques are features commonly encountered on Ottoman silver rings of the late 17th–19th century. Outside diameter: ± 27 mm Inside diameter: ± 22,3 - 20,6 mm Carnelian: ± 20 mm width Condition: good solid condition and wearable. Signs of wear consistent with age and use. Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format). The ring will be delivered in a jewellery box, a perfect gift for any occasion! Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been carefully examined for its material and surface characteristics. Laboratory analysis (e.g. XRF) is not routinely undertaken in private collecting, and destructive testing is avoided as it causes permanent damage to archaeological material. Before modern hallmarking, gold and silver alloys varied depending on local resources, recycling practices and economic conditions.

Estimate:£230.86

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