Western Asiatic Decorated Carnelian Bead

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.

Formed as a six-petalled flower with two loops on the reverse, each petal formed as a cell to accept an inlay. 0.40 grams, 10 mm



Ex private British collection, formed in the 1980s. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman.

Scaraboid with a domed upper face, underside with an advancing bull on a baseline, inscription below. 5.95 grams, 18 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.