Spring, TX
Starting at 30% Off
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Details
- Dimensions
- 7ʺW × 7ʺD × 5.2ʺH
- Period
- 19th Century
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
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- Materials
- Brass
- Engraving
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Brass
- Condition Notes
- Very Good overall. Roughness at the top rim of the tumbler. Please see photos below. All original. Very Good overall. Roughness at the top rim of the tumbler. Please see photos below. All original. less
- Description
-
Extremely RARE and very intriguing pair of magical implements. PLEASE NOTICE that both pieces belong to one another. They were …
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Extremely RARE and very intriguing pair of magical implements. PLEASE NOTICE that both pieces belong to one another. They were made and meant to be used together, not individually. It is virtually impossible to find these as a WHOLE SET, as they usually have been separated over the years.
Used for magical healing, divination or blessings related to early Islamic rituals with a mixture of Zoroastrian symbolism
It consists of a brass bowl and a tumbler, with hand chiseled scriptures and symbols all over around
Although easily discernable, a detailed research and scholastic knowledge are needed to translate the text and understand all the symbolic pictures
There are words and phrases written in calligraphic characters possibly in Arabic, Pahlavi or other Aramaic-derived script, most likely prayers, blessings and Quran verses
There are some squares and graphs filled out with something like cuneiform inscription (see the tumbler)
There are also some engraved pictures and scenes: at the bowl we see 3 times a tree between open gates, possibly reminiscence of Paradise Gardens
The cup has more iconographic images; the historical Safavid symbol of The Lion and the Sun (Siro Xorsid); the rising sun symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. It may be also related to the Zodiac constellation Leo, since there are more Zodiac-like symbols: two crossed fishes for Pisces, two human figures facing each other, possibly for Gemini
These three, the Leo, the Pisces and the Gemini, are represented in bigger images, each one twice over the tumbler's body
Under the top rim, a pattern of smaller images also depicts Virgo, Cancer and others
Altogether a blend of religious, superstitious, astrological and Near Eastern historical motifs
The holes on the cup suggest a possibility of being used to observe the stars for Astrological divinations
When placed over the bowl, it fits perfectly, and it looks like a incense or steam infuser
Divination bowls were widely used in Muslim world for healing. The water poured from a Magic bowl would treat of all kinds of illnesses, including poisoning, since it was believed to take on curative properties from the contact with the engraved Holy verses and talismanic symbols
How it was used as a set, we could only guess, but it is definitely for mystical rituals that incorporate water, fire and the skies
Antique set, all original
Measurements: Approx.: The bowl - 7" diameter x 2" deep; the tumbler - 5.2" high x 3.6" top diameter. Weigh about 1 lb. 13 oz.
Condition: Very Good overall. Roughness at the top rim of the tumbler. Please see photos below. All original. less
Spring, TX
Starting at 30% Off
Sale Ends Today! - Shop Now
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