Bidspirit auction | A PERSIAN TALISMANIC YELLOW CHALCEDONY

A PERSIAN TALISMANIC YELLOW CHALCEDONY INTAGLIO SEAL STONE WITH NADI ALI INSCRIPTION. - A Persian talismanic seal or amulet stone, crafted from translucent yellow chalcedony. The stone is carved in an oval cabochon form with a flat face, featuring a deep honey-yellow hue throughout. The face is decorated with an intricate intaglio engraving consisting of three horizontal registers of Arabic calligraphy separated by linear dividers. The script is executed in a fluid, decorative Nasta'liq style. The recessed areas of the engraving have a matte, frosted finish which provides a sharp visual contrast against the highly polished surface of the gemstone. The calligraphic inscription is the Nadi Ali prayer, a well-known Shia supplication. The top register begins with the invocation Ya Ali (O Ali), followed by the first verses of the prayer: Nadi Aliyan mazhar al-aja'ib (Call upon Ali, the manifester of wonders). The text continues through the middle and lower registers: Tajidhu awnan laka fi'l-nawa'ib / Kullu hammin wa gammin sayanjali / Bi-wilayatika ya Ali ya Ali ya Ali (You will find him a helper in difficulties / Every care and grief will vanish / Through your guardianship, O Ali, O Ali, O Ali).