Silver - Pendant - Islamic Amulet (Hirz)





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Islamic Amulet Pendant (Hirz / Taʿwīdh), of Central Asian or Afghan origin dating to the late 19th–early 20th century, in high‑grade silver with red glass cabochon and blue cabochons, weighing 31.53 g and measuring 52.8 × 47.8 mm in very good condition.
Description from the seller
Islamic Silver Amulet Pendant (Hirz / Taʿwīdh), Central Asia or Afghanistan, Late 19th – Early 20th Century
A substantial and finely worked Islamic amulet pendant, crafted in high-grade silver or rich billon and decorated with dense engraved vegetal and scrolling motifs. The circular form is fitted with dual suspension loops and set with a central red cabochon of cooked glass, surrounded by four blue cabochons, likely glass or lapis lazuli.
Such pendants were traditionally worn as protective amulets (hirz), believed to ward off evil and bring blessings. The use of glass substitutes alongside symbolic stone colors is characteristic of Central Asian and Afghan tribal jewelry, where visual and talismanic significance outweighed material value.
The overall weight, construction, and decorative language strongly point to a Central Asian or Afghan origin rather than Ottoman or Yemeni production.
Material: High-grade billon / silver
Stones: Cooked glass (red), glass or lapis lazuli (blue)
Date: Late 19th – early 20th century
Dimensions: 52.8 mm (incl. loops) × 47.8 mm
Weight: 31.53 g
Condition: Very good, with age-related wear consistent with traditional use. No modern alterations observed.
Seller's Story
Islamic Silver Amulet Pendant (Hirz / Taʿwīdh), Central Asia or Afghanistan, Late 19th – Early 20th Century
A substantial and finely worked Islamic amulet pendant, crafted in high-grade silver or rich billon and decorated with dense engraved vegetal and scrolling motifs. The circular form is fitted with dual suspension loops and set with a central red cabochon of cooked glass, surrounded by four blue cabochons, likely glass or lapis lazuli.
Such pendants were traditionally worn as protective amulets (hirz), believed to ward off evil and bring blessings. The use of glass substitutes alongside symbolic stone colors is characteristic of Central Asian and Afghan tribal jewelry, where visual and talismanic significance outweighed material value.
The overall weight, construction, and decorative language strongly point to a Central Asian or Afghan origin rather than Ottoman or Yemeni production.
Material: High-grade billon / silver
Stones: Cooked glass (red), glass or lapis lazuli (blue)
Date: Late 19th – early 20th century
Dimensions: 52.8 mm (incl. loops) × 47.8 mm
Weight: 31.53 g
Condition: Very good, with age-related wear consistent with traditional use. No modern alterations observed.

