18th century
Turkey
Object qualities
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Object
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumSilver; cast and engraved
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SizeHt. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm) Diam. 1 1/16 in. (2.7 cm) Wt. 0.6 oz. (17 g)
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Geography detailsAttributed to
Turkey -
Country today
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Date18th century
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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The punctured stem of this stamp seal suggests that a well-to-do individual may have worn it as a pendant. The star includes the names of the Rashidun (“Rightly Guided”) caliphs and the Prophet Muhammad. The names of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus and their dog Qitmr, the subject of the miraculous story from the Sura al-Kahf (Of the Cave, 18) from the Qur’an, which is often revered for its talismanic qualities, imbue the stamp and its impression with a protective aura.