India, probably the Deccan
16th century
nephrite jade, finely wheel and point cut; set with a small turquoise
inscribed in thulth script
4.7 x 4.8cm
The prayer (hirz) for the protection of children inscribed on one side of the talisman was reportedly given to Amanah when the Prophet Muhammad was born. It is followed by two lines of magic letters and numbers. In the centre of the other side is part of verse 13 of the surah al-Ra‘d (XIII) and in the borders is the Ayat al-Kursi (surah al-Baqarah, II, verse 255).