Sacred Clay (4) - Clay - 1900-1910, 1940-1950 - Shia Turbah Collection
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From Iraq, this Sacred Clay collection comprises four Shia Turbahs from Kerbala and Najaf, featuring figural shrine and calligraphic inscriptions, dating to the 19th–20th centuries, with one large piece (8.2 cm diam., 5.5 cm high) and three smaller pieces (≈5 cm diam., ≈1 cm high), total weight 705 g, no stand included.
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Description from the seller
Collection of 4 Shia Turbahs – Kerbala & Najaf Sacred Clay – Figural and Calligraphic Types (19th–20th c.)
Description:
A refined collection of four original Shia Turbahs, each representing a distinct devotional and epigraphic tradition from Kerbala and Najaf.
The set includes both figural shrine depictions and calligraphic Imamite inscriptions, as well as early worn examples used in sajdah rituals.
Perfect as a curated collection due to the strong stylistic and iconographic diversity.
Piece-by-Piece Identification (Matching Photo Order)
1) Figural Turbah with the Shrine of Imam Husayn
A large circular embossed Turbah depicting the Shrine of Imam Husayn in Kerbala, with the central dome and twin minarets rendered in relief.
Inscription (top):
السلام عليك يا أبا عبد الله الحسين
“Peace be upon you, O Aba Abdillah al-Husayn.”
One of the most central devotional invocations in Shia Islam.
Strong relief, detailed architectural iconography.
2) Twelve-Imam Calligraphic Turbah (Allah in center)
A circular Turbah with a central rosette containing “الله” (Allah).
Around it, radiating calligraphic arms form the traditional Twelve Imams composition.
Legible names include:
- علي (Ali)
- حسن (Hasan)
- حسين (Husayn)
with others partly preserved.
A classical Imamite devotional tablet.
3) Oval Turbah with Spiral Dhikr Pattern (Najaf type)
An oval Turbah featuring a spiral zikr (dhikr wheel) pattern carved in concentric rings.
This type is traditionally associated with Najaf workshops.
The inscription at the center—commonly “يا علي مدد” (O Ali, help us)—is now worn and largely erased, leaving the geometric devotional pattern intact.
Shows natural patina and early use.
4) Early Worn Clay Turbah (Plain Type)
A coarse, early devotional Turbah with its original inscription almost completely lost to time.
This type typically carried a simple phrase such as “Ya Husayn” or “Ya Ali”, now faintly traceable as shallow relief.
Strong granular clay structure with a desert-like patina.
Dimensions:
- Piece 1 (large turbah): Diameter 8.2 cm, Height 5.5 cm
- Pieces 2–4: Diameter approx. 5 cm each, Height approx. 1 cm
Condition:
Good overall condition for devotional clay tablets.
Surface wear, minor chips, and erosion consistent with authentic historical use.
Shipping:
The item will be shipped via local courier service within approximately 15 days after payment.
Delivery customs fees may vary depending on your country. These charges are based on weight rather than packaging, and neither Catawiki nor the seller determines or analyses them; they depend entirely on your country’s customs system.
Please note that customs fees may apply upon delivery depending on your country.
Seller's Story
Eser Antique, founded in 2012, specializes in the curation, appraisal, and sale of artworks and antiques from a wide range of cultures and periods.
Our collections include European, Far Eastern, Anatolian, and Turkish–Islamic ceramics; engravings; European and Ottoman maps; Ebru art, European paintings, historical coins, as well as various other artworks, antiques, and vintage pieces.
Each piece is carefully sourced from private collections and verified through art-historical research. Combining scholarly cataloguing with auction experience, we aim to preserve authenticity and cultural heritage.
Collection of 4 Shia Turbahs – Kerbala & Najaf Sacred Clay – Figural and Calligraphic Types (19th–20th c.)
Description:
A refined collection of four original Shia Turbahs, each representing a distinct devotional and epigraphic tradition from Kerbala and Najaf.
The set includes both figural shrine depictions and calligraphic Imamite inscriptions, as well as early worn examples used in sajdah rituals.
Perfect as a curated collection due to the strong stylistic and iconographic diversity.
Piece-by-Piece Identification (Matching Photo Order)
1) Figural Turbah with the Shrine of Imam Husayn
A large circular embossed Turbah depicting the Shrine of Imam Husayn in Kerbala, with the central dome and twin minarets rendered in relief.
Inscription (top):
السلام عليك يا أبا عبد الله الحسين
“Peace be upon you, O Aba Abdillah al-Husayn.”
One of the most central devotional invocations in Shia Islam.
Strong relief, detailed architectural iconography.
2) Twelve-Imam Calligraphic Turbah (Allah in center)
A circular Turbah with a central rosette containing “الله” (Allah).
Around it, radiating calligraphic arms form the traditional Twelve Imams composition.
Legible names include:
- علي (Ali)
- حسن (Hasan)
- حسين (Husayn)
with others partly preserved.
A classical Imamite devotional tablet.
3) Oval Turbah with Spiral Dhikr Pattern (Najaf type)
An oval Turbah featuring a spiral zikr (dhikr wheel) pattern carved in concentric rings.
This type is traditionally associated with Najaf workshops.
The inscription at the center—commonly “يا علي مدد” (O Ali, help us)—is now worn and largely erased, leaving the geometric devotional pattern intact.
Shows natural patina and early use.
4) Early Worn Clay Turbah (Plain Type)
A coarse, early devotional Turbah with its original inscription almost completely lost to time.
This type typically carried a simple phrase such as “Ya Husayn” or “Ya Ali”, now faintly traceable as shallow relief.
Strong granular clay structure with a desert-like patina.
Dimensions:
- Piece 1 (large turbah): Diameter 8.2 cm, Height 5.5 cm
- Pieces 2–4: Diameter approx. 5 cm each, Height approx. 1 cm
Condition:
Good overall condition for devotional clay tablets.
Surface wear, minor chips, and erosion consistent with authentic historical use.
Shipping:
The item will be shipped via local courier service within approximately 15 days after payment.
Delivery customs fees may vary depending on your country. These charges are based on weight rather than packaging, and neither Catawiki nor the seller determines or analyses them; they depend entirely on your country’s customs system.
Please note that customs fees may apply upon delivery depending on your country.
Seller's Story
Eser Antique, founded in 2012, specializes in the curation, appraisal, and sale of artworks and antiques from a wide range of cultures and periods.
Our collections include European, Far Eastern, Anatolian, and Turkish–Islamic ceramics; engravings; European and Ottoman maps; Ebru art, European paintings, historical coins, as well as various other artworks, antiques, and vintage pieces.
Each piece is carefully sourced from private collections and verified through art-historical research. Combining scholarly cataloguing with auction experience, we aim to preserve authenticity and cultural heritage.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Object name
Sacred Clay
Weight
705 g
Specific region of origin
Kerbelâ
Title additional information
Shia Turbah Collection
No. of items
4
Material
Clay
Country of Origin
Iraq
Height
8.2 cm
Width
5.5 cm
Sold with stand
No
Depth
5.5 cm
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Estimated Period
1900-1910, 1940-1950
Sold by
