Antique Islamic, Persian, Three Part, Silver Talisman Quran Box, Scroll Cylinders, Iran, 5.5cm, 98 Grams

This is a 19th century, high grade silver, repousse, octagonal talisman miniature Qur’an case which would have stored a miniature Qur’an or select verses of the revelation considered to hold special protective powers from Iran. The Quran or the Talismanic manuscript small enough and in octagonal shape is now missing. A latch at the bottom opens the hinged box.   The talismanic nature of these objects is confirmed by the verses used in the inscriptions decorating them.

The lid and sides have very fine extremely intricate, dense bands of Persian, Nastaliq script. The roundel is etched with Qur'anic invocations in Nastaliq calligraphy and also on the eight sides.   It has two hollow tubular scroll containers also with rows of Persian script. Both tubes open freely. The containers would have also held a miniature paper scroll containing a combination of prayers and Qur’anic verses.  This was worn as a necklace and has been decorated with four silk tassels and silver capped endings.  This elaborate box is known as bazuband (armband) because they were tied to the arm using string.

Quran Box:: 5.5 cm (2" x 1/3/4")
Scroll Containers: 9 cm (3 1/2")
Weight: 98 Grams (3.4 oz.)
Chain Length: 61 cm (24”) (Adjustable)
Material: Tested silver high grade