A Samanid hematite seal pendant, the rectangular hematite panel, circa 9th century, intaglio carved with Kufic script, in a modern ropetwist and bead decorated mount with a single-cut diamond set inner border, to a hinged back bale accented with a hematite cabochon, in walnut presentation case, pendant width 38.5mm. £2000-3000

The inscription translates as: The gilded follower has submitted to the (will of the) exalted Lord. This is possibly a hadith - a saying of the Prophet Mohammed.

The Samanid empire was centred on Iran and existed from 819-999AD; at its largest extent it covered Afghanistan and parts of Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Pakistan and was the source of Islamo-Persian culture. Kufic script is the oldest calligraphic form of Arabic script and was developed at the end of the 7th century in Iraq.

This 9th century hematite stone was originally part of the Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, said to “include the finest and most comprehensive private collection of Islamic Art” (see Healing the World with Art, The Independent, 15th April 2014). Professor Nasser David Khalili personally designed the mount and donated the piece to the Red Cross Jewels for Life charity auction held by Christies where it was purchased by the current vendor.