An Islamic Incised Mother-of-Pearl Shell Devotional Object
$ 160.00
This is a finely executed and spiritually significant devotional object, crafted from a large mother-of-pearl shell. It is extensively decorated with incised Arabic calligraphy and complex geometric patterns, characteristic of Islamic artistry from the Ottoman or Persian spheres of influence. Such items were often associated with Sufi mystics and used as begging bowls (kashkul) or as talismanic wall plaques. Given its unique nature and current condition, its value is estimated as follows:
Origin:Â Likely Ottoman Turkey or Qajar Persia
Date:Â Circa 18th/19th Century
Dimensions: 12 cm × 11.9 cm (4.72 in × 4.69 in) | Lenght × Width
United States dollar ($)
Crafted from a single, large marine bivalve shell, likely a pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima), the object presents an organic, fan-like form, retaining the natural, irregular contours of its original growth. The interior surface, which forms the canvas for the decoration, possesses the characteristic iridescent lustre, or nacre, of mother-of-pearl, exhibiting subtle shifts of colour and light across its undulating topography.
The decoration is executed entirely through incision, with the lines subsequently filled with a dark, possibly bitumen-based or ink pigment to create a striking contrast against the pale, shimmering ground. The design is meticulously planned, comprising two distinct zones. A wide, continuous band of elegant Arabic calligraphy follows the outer perimeter of the shell. The script is a fluid and assured Thuluth or a related monumental style, with elongated verticals and sweeping curves forming a sacred textual border. The letters themselves are dense and ornate, creating a powerful visual rhythm.
The central field is occupied by a sophisticated geometric schema composed of a series of finely-scribed, intersecting circles. These arcs create an intricate lattice of vesica piscis and lens-shaped compartments arranged in concentric bands radiating from the centre. Each of these compartments is filled with a dense pattern of short, parallel, incised strokes, a technique that adds texture and depth to the overall composition. Several small, deliberately drilled holes are visible: one near the upper-left edge and a few clustered near the hinge, suggesting the object was once suspended or mounted. The overall effect is one of profound harmony, where the divine word, abstract geometry, and the beauty of the natural world are seamlessly integrated.
