Dish - Bronze - Islamic Talismanic Bowl

An interesting historical Islamic talismanic healing bowl, also known as a Magic Bowl, made of brass or a similar copper alloy, possibly originating from Persia or the Indo-Persian cultural region, presumably dating to the 19th or early 20th century.

The bowl features extensive hand-engraved inscriptions in Arabic-style script along the upper rim and across the interior, accompanied by numerous symbolic markings, short strokes and numerical-looking characters.

A prominent raised central boss forms the focal point of the interior, surrounded by circular arrangements of engraved inscriptions and talismanic symbols.

The inscriptions appear to follow the tradition of Islamic protective and healing formulas. Similar bowls frequently contain Quranic verses, invocations of Allah, protective prayers and numerical combinations associated with the Abjad system.

Some engraved characters may represent the name of Allah or fragments of traditional religious invocations, although a complete transcription has not been independently verified.

Historically, such bowls were used in traditional Islamic healing practices. Water placed inside the vessel was believed to acquire protective or beneficial properties through contact with the sacred inscriptions.

The exterior displays concentric turning marks, while the surface has developed a naturally aged appearance with dark oxidation, localized green corrosion deposits and signs of prolonged use.

When gently struck, the bowl produces a clear, bell-like ringing tone with a resonance lasting approximately three seconds. A small perforation near the rim may have served for suspension.

DETAILS

**Object:** Islamic Talismanic / Healing Bowl (Magic Bowl)

**Origin:** Possibly Persia or Indo-Persian region

**Period:** Presumably 19th – early 20th century

**Material:** Brass / copper alloy

**Diameter:** 18 cm

**Weight:** 410 g

**Technique:** Metal forming, turning and hand engraving

**Provenance:** Private Collection, Freiburg, Germany

CONDITION

Historical condition with visible signs of age and use, including surface scratches, oxidation, patina, localized green corrosion deposits and irregularities in the engraved decoration.

A small hole is present near the upper rim.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.

IMPORTANT NOTES

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The description, dating and cultural attribution are based on the object's visible characteristics and stylistic comparison. The inscriptions have not been fully translated or independently authenticated.