A ROCK CRYSTAL INTAGLIO WITH INVOCATIONS TO ALI SET IN AN OPENWORK SILVER PENDANT
Iran, 20th century

The intaglio in the shape of a stylised arrowhead, with a rectangular body and conical head, carved on three sides with invocations to the first Shi'a Imam Ali, mounted on a silver pendant with scalloped rim and openwork Qajar-inspired floral decoration at the back, the silver pendant signed by the maker Najjan, the intaglio 6cm high, the pendant 9.5cm high.

Inscription:

Front panel: The qualities of Imam Ali and his special place in the Muslim faith
Ali is the deputy of Allah
Ali is the permission of Allah
Ali is the gate to Allah
Ali is the sword of Allah
Ali is the hand of Allah

Lateral panels: Longer invocation to the Saint and his praises

Dimensions: the intaglio 6cm high, the pendant 9.5cm high