No. 107311758

Sold
Medieval Bronze Rare Ottoman “Bismillah” Ring — Serpentine Calligraphy on an Oval Bezel  (No reserve price)
Final bid
€ 84
No reserve price
2 weeks ago

Medieval Bronze Rare Ottoman “Bismillah” Ring — Serpentine Calligraphy on an Oval Bezel (No reserve price)

Wear a piece of history, not just jewelry. Rare Ottoman “Bismillah” Ring — Serpentine Calligraphy on an Oval Bezel Object Details Culture: Islamic / Attributed to the Ottoman Tradition Period: Medieval Period, attributed to ca. 13th–15th Century AD Material: Metal Alloy Technique: Metalworking with an Epigraphically Decorated Bezel Iconography: Arabic Calligraphic Composition Interpreted as “Bismillah,” with Serpentine Letterforms Dimensions Ring Height: 24.21 mm ± Outer Diameter: 24.71 mm ± Inner Diameter: 20.03 mm ± Weight: 9.53 g Ring Size Conversion Chart EU: approximately 63 US: approximately 10¼ UK: approximately U½ Description This distinctive metal-alloy ring features an oval bezel bearing a compact Arabic calligraphic composition, interpreted as Bismillah, “In the name of God.” Its sinuous letterforms create a serpentine visual rhythm within a decorated border. The broad shoulders and substantial hoop give the inscription a prominent position, combining ornamental metalwork with an epigraphic focus. Ottoman finger rings preserved in the British Museum provide a broader comparative context for this attribution. Here, the proposed reading connects the bezel with Islamic devotional language; basmala denotes the invocation beginning with Bismillah, rather than a particular script or decorative technique. Within that devotional context, the inscription can be understood as a quiet invocation carried close to the hand: remembrance expressed through khatt, the art of writing. Its appeal lies in this intimate relationship between faith, calligraphic ornament and personal adornment. Report, Shipping & Photography A Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Report is available upon request before dispatch. A printed copy will be prepared and included with the shipment. A signed ownership document issued in the buyer’s name can also be provided if requested before dispatch. Every shipment is fully insured. The photographs were taken under warm, museum-inspired lighting to present the object’s surface details and historical character naturally. The object was documented using high-resolution imaging equipment. Its physical structure and form have not been altered; only limited colour-balance adjustments have been applied for visual accuracy. Please consider the photographs together with the stated measurements when assessing its size. Any cords, separate attachment rings or other display accessories visible in the photographs are not included with the object. Information The object is presented in good faith, with a commitment to transparency and scholarly consistency. No object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation. Dating, cultural attribution, material identification, original function and symbolic interpretation are academic assessments based on typological comparison and the available comparative evidence. Relevant museum examples and expert opinions are considered where available. These assessments are not definitive laboratory findings; more conclusive identification may require further examination and appropriate analysis beyond the scope of the sale.

No. 107311758

Sold
Medieval Bronze Rare Ottoman “Bismillah” Ring — Serpentine Calligraphy on an Oval Bezel  (No reserve price)

Medieval Bronze Rare Ottoman “Bismillah” Ring — Serpentine Calligraphy on an Oval Bezel (No reserve price)

Wear a piece of history, not just jewelry.

Rare Ottoman “Bismillah” Ring — Serpentine Calligraphy on an Oval Bezel

Object Details
Culture: Islamic / Attributed to the Ottoman Tradition
Period: Medieval Period, attributed to ca. 13th–15th Century AD
Material: Metal Alloy
Technique: Metalworking with an Epigraphically Decorated Bezel
Iconography: Arabic Calligraphic Composition Interpreted as “Bismillah,” with Serpentine Letterforms

Dimensions
Ring Height: 24.21 mm ±
Outer Diameter: 24.71 mm ±
Inner Diameter: 20.03 mm ±
Weight: 9.53 g
Ring Size Conversion Chart
EU: approximately 63
US: approximately 10¼
UK: approximately U½

Description
This distinctive metal-alloy ring features an oval bezel bearing a compact Arabic calligraphic composition, interpreted as Bismillah, “In the name of God.” Its sinuous letterforms create a serpentine visual rhythm within a decorated border. The broad shoulders and substantial hoop give the inscription a prominent position, combining ornamental metalwork with an epigraphic focus.

Ottoman finger rings preserved in the British Museum provide a broader comparative context for this attribution. Here, the proposed reading connects the bezel with Islamic devotional language; basmala denotes the invocation beginning with Bismillah, rather than a particular script or decorative technique.

Within that devotional context, the inscription can be understood as a quiet invocation carried close to the hand: remembrance expressed through khatt, the art of writing. Its appeal lies in this intimate relationship between faith, calligraphic ornament and personal adornment.

Report, Shipping & Photography
A Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Report is available upon request before dispatch. A printed copy will be prepared and included with the shipment. A signed ownership document issued in the buyer’s name can also be provided if requested before dispatch.

Every shipment is fully insured.
The photographs were taken under warm, museum-inspired lighting to present the object’s surface details and historical character naturally. The object was documented using high-resolution imaging equipment. Its physical structure and form have not been altered; only limited colour-balance adjustments have been applied for visual accuracy. Please consider the photographs together with the stated measurements when assessing its size.
Any cords, separate attachment rings or other display accessories visible in the photographs are not included with the object.

Information

The object is presented in good faith, with a commitment to transparency and scholarly consistency. No object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation.

Dating, cultural attribution, material identification, original function and symbolic interpretation are academic assessments based on typological comparison and the available comparative evidence. Relevant museum examples and expert opinions are considered where available. These assessments are not definitive laboratory findings; more conclusive identification may require further examination and appropriate analysis beyond the scope of the sale.

Final bid
€ 84
No reserve price
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Estimate  € 150 - € 200

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