A COLLECTOR'S SELECTION OF GOLD, SILVER AND WHITE METAL ISLAMIC BAZUBANDS (ARMBAND LOCKETS)
Iran, 19th century and later

Comprising six octagonal bazubands, one in gold, the others silver and white metal, each one engraved with fretwork bands, vegetal and floral motifs, and some with auspicious calligraphy, the gold bazuband also encrusted with turquoise beads, the largest 5.5cm diam; two almond-shaped, engraved with calligraphy, the longest 4.5cm; three rectangular in the shape of miniature books, one in gilt-copper containing a miniature printed Ottoman Qur'an, the largest 5.5.cm x 4cm; and two faceted necklace barrel pendants with auspicious talismanic inscriptions, one gilt and with calligraphic nielloware, the latter plain, each approximately 7.5cm long.

Purchased by the present owner in Iran during his placement in the country (1968 - 1972).
Some of the bazubands contain old notes with date, amount and location of purchase.