HvWO 51IV

Antique Omani silver koran box with amulets / Charms
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Antique Omani Koran box named Hirz and amulets

Common Rustaq Hirz with Rose motive in the middle combined with geometrical designs. Very fine inlay-work.

On the back of the box the name of the owner has been soldered with silver wire. With chain and attached half-moon silver appliqués. The chain has several silver Thalers, and silver mounted coral branches plus some silver beads with  charms (including  glass stoppers)

The box is sometimes filled with a Koran text and or a resin to prevent it from denting.

Antique Omani silver koran boxOmani silver koranbox

Back of the Koran box with text in silver, which is highly unusual!

Arab Name: (Bedouin) Marriya / Hirz  (meaning amulet box)

Period: 1900-1950

Origin: The diamond shaped on-lays are typical of the Sharqiah area ref 1 page 96.

    References:
  1. Oman Adorned by Pauline Shelton  Robert Richmond / Apex London 1997 p 90 - 97
  2. J.L. Carter Tribes in Oman Peninsular publishing 1982 page 26
  3. A tribute to Oman The Sultanates Yearbook: 1993/1994 "Magical designs" Robert Richmond. Apex Ruwi page 49-58
  4. Disappearing treasures of Oman 1998 by Avelyn Foster p 30
  5. Traditional silver jewelry and handicrafts from Oman 2009 by Jean Greffioz p 49
  6. Arab & Islamic Silver by Saad Al-Jadir 1981   Stacey International  p 99
  7. British Museum on-line collection number Af1974,01.1 purchased in Zanzibar
  8. Wereld Museum Rotterdam has a similar necklace. h 38,5 x br 17 x d 1,8 cm gewicht: 368 gr. Ex collection Smith / Hutschenruyter. Inventory 77129.
  9.  A world of necklaces. Africa. Asia, Oceania, America from the Ghysels Collection ; Milaan, Skira ; 2003 ; p. 178-179 & p. 428
  10. Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands. The René van der Star Collection ; Amsterdam/Singapore; Pepin Press ; 2002 ; p. 54 (left)