Silver Billon - Pendant - Islamic Amulet (Hirz)
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Islamic Amulet Pendant (Hirz), Central Asia or Afghanistan, dating to the late 19th – early 20th century, in silver billon and weighing 30.67 g.
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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: Silver billon, fits well with the materials and alloys used during that era.
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: 30.67 g
Condition: Very good, with age-related wear consistent with traditional use. No modern alterations observed.
Seller's Story
As a second-generation history enthusiast and antique art collector, I have a deep passion for historical artifacts—from prehistoric civilizations to the Medieval era. I love connecting with fellow history lovers and sharing unique, carefully selected pieces. My goal is to find new homes for remarkable items while continuing to expand my own collection. Feel free to explore my selection—I hope you find something special!
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: Silver billon, fits well with the materials and alloys used during that era.
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: 30.67 g
Condition: Very good, with age-related wear consistent with traditional use. No modern alterations observed.
Seller's Story
As a second-generation history enthusiast and antique art collector, I have a deep passion for historical artifacts—from prehistoric civilizations to the Medieval era. I love connecting with fellow history lovers and sharing unique, carefully selected pieces. My goal is to find new homes for remarkable items while continuing to expand my own collection. Feel free to explore my selection—I hope you find something special!
Details
Era
1400-1900
Laboratory Report
No laboratory report
Estimated period
1850-1900
Metal
Silver Billon
Brand jewellery
No
Total weight
30.67 g
Condition
Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear
Gender
Women
Title additional information
Islamic Amulet (Hirz)
Width
47.8 mm
Length
52.8 mm
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