Western Asiatic Black Stone Cylinder Seal with Winged God

In a gilt wooden glazed frame with card reveal to both pages; collector's label to reverse with details: 'Dala'il al Khairat Bokhara C.1820. This superb illuminated manuscript is of the popular prayer book, the Dala'il Al Khairat and is thought to have been scribed in Bokhara, some 150 miles from Samarkand. For centuries Bokhara was a centre of Islamic scholarship in Asia. The city had some 360 mosques and nearly 10,000 pupils received their education in 140 madrasas or theological colleges. Many fine manuscripts were scribed there, principally to serve the vibrant Muslim culture. This item is a wonderful example. The script is naskh enclosed in gold clouds, an Indian influence. The central panels are bordered with a meandering vine border of the highest quality. It is sad that about a third of the book was damaged beyond repair. An essential item for collectors, a pearl almost beyond price.' 516 grams, 28.7 x 23.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market.

With frieze depicting a combat scene with human figure and rearing beasts; with collector's ticket and museum-quality impression. 5.50 grams, 36.56 mm



From the private collection of the late Mr W. Magee, Hartlepool, County Durham, UK, 1960s-1990s, thence by descent. Accompanied by a previous cataloguing information card.

Each a kidney-shaped loop and a D-shaped buckle plate, one pierced to accept rivets and the other with pierced lugs to the underside. 21.48 grams total, 32-34 mm



Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.