A scarce Islamic Kufic intaglio dating from around the 9th century AD, set in a later silver ring. The bright orange agate seal is intricately engraved with two types of Kufic calligraphy and would have originally been used as an amulet or seal. The stylised epigraphy of the text in the centre tells us that the seal probably would have originated from the Maghreb or Al-Andalus, circa 9th century. The geographic origin of the seal can be deduced by the fact that the Kufic script features a significant amount of curves and loops, notably with the characters such as the ‘was’ and the ‘seem’. See pages of the Kufic script used in the ‘Abbasid Qur’an’ of North Africa or the ‘Blue Qur’an’ for reference. 

The age of the seal can also be deduced from the two types of Kufic used - in the centre, the engraving with its forked and wedge shaped terminals indicates a 9th to 12th century date, whilst the linear and angular border script indicates an 8th to 9th century date (Porter, 2011). For referenced examples in the British Museum see final photos.

Some of these referenced examples in the British Museum that have a similar design are said to depict to the names of ‘The Fourteen Infallibles’ (معصومون); which is made up by the Prophet Muhammad, his daughter and the Twelve Imams. They are all considered infallible under the theological concept of Isaiah.

The intaglio is bezel set in a silver mount, the shoulders with applied arabesque motifs and the band engraved with foliate ornament. The stone is in overall good condition considering the material and age, the engraving is still crisp - however there is a chip to the agate on one of the edges (visible in photos), the stone is still very secure in the setting. 

UK size U, US size 10

The ring weighs 13.17 grams, the intaglio measures 15mm x 10mm, the mount tests as low-grade silver and the band measures 5mm wide at the back.