Four Silver Amulets for Women – Iran-Kurdistan, Ca. Late 19th...
Four Silver Amulets for Women – Iran-Kurdistan, Ca. Late 19th or Early 20th Century
Silver, cast, cut, soldered, and engraved.
1. Women’s ensemble of amulets (probably for childbearing women), to be worn on the arm. Includes two pencil-shaped cases (containing verses ascribed with protective attributes, and the initials and names of angels), and an amulet in the form of a stylized leaf, with, on the front, the initials of the words to one of the "Songs of Ascent" (Psalm 121), followed by an additional protective inscription, and on the back, the engraved name of the owner, in Hebrew: "Sharha born from Barkurdar". Original blue cotton-thread, forming three tassels with silver ornaments at their ends. One case with missing cover.
2. Buckle-shaped amulet, to be worn on the arm. Consists of three parts, connected to each other with hinges. Bears Hebrew inscriptions ascribed with protective attributes, including names of angels, and initials and ending letters of words of biblical verses, and initials of words of the kabbalistic prayer "Ana BeKoach". The name of the amulet’s owner – "Bilha daughter of Tzruya" – appears in the center.
3. Round amulet pendant. Bears Hebrew inscriptions ascribed with protective attributes, including initials of words of the kabbalistic prayer "Ana BeKoach". Two suspension hooks on top, and suspension rings for bells at bottom. Three missing bells.
4. Amulet pendant with an undulating, rounded perimeter. Engraved on both sides with Hebrew inscriptions bearing the names of the four rivers of the Garden of Eden, and with the letters of these names jumbled, and with various other letter combinations. The name of the amulet’s owner – "Sarah daughter of Sefrou" – appears at the bottom. Two suspension hooks on top, with remnants of original cotton-thread cord.
Size and condition varies.
Provenance:
1. Collection of Peter Castle (1922-2011), great-grandson of Solomon David Schloss. Acquired from Cameo Corner (Mosheh Oved), London, early 1950s.
2. Heirs of the above.
Bid on this lot
Four Silver Amulets for Women – Iran-Kurdistan, Ca. Late 19th or Early 20th Century
Silver, cast, cut, soldered, and engraved.
1. Women’s ensemble of amulets (probably for childbearing women), to be worn on the arm. Includes two pencil-shaped cases (containing verses ascribed with protective attributes, and the initials and names of angels), and an amulet in the form of a stylized leaf, with, on the front, the initials of the words to one of the "Songs of Ascent" (Psalm 121), followed by an additional protective inscription, and on the back, the engraved name of the owner, in Hebrew: "Sharha born from Barkurdar". Original blue cotton-thread, forming three tassels with silver ornaments at their ends. One case with missing cover.
2. Buckle-shaped amulet, to be worn on the arm. Consists of three parts, connected to each other with hinges. Bears Hebrew inscriptions ascribed with protective attributes, including names of angels, and initials and ending letters of words of biblical verses, and initials of words of the kabbalistic prayer "Ana BeKoach". The name of the amulet’s owner – "Bilha daughter of Tzruya" – appears in the center.
3. Round amulet pendant. Bears Hebrew inscriptions ascribed with protective attributes, including initials of words of the kabbalistic prayer "Ana BeKoach". Two suspension hooks on top, and suspension rings for bells at bottom. Three missing bells.
4. Amulet pendant with an undulating, rounded perimeter. Engraved on both sides with Hebrew inscriptions bearing the names of the four rivers of the Garden of Eden, and with the letters of these names jumbled, and with various other letter combinations. The name of the amulet’s owner – "Sarah daughter of Sefrou" – appears at the bottom. Two suspension hooks on top, with remnants of original cotton-thread cord.
Size and condition varies.
Provenance:
1. Collection of Peter Castle (1922-2011), great-grandson of Solomon David Schloss. Acquired from Cameo Corner (Mosheh Oved), London, early 1950s.
2. Heirs of the above.
