Two talismanic porcelain Dishes made for the Islamic Market - China, 19th Century

one decorated in black and gilt on a white ground with bands of nakshi inscription, a magic box in the centre, the other in orange, light purple and gold with similar decoration  20.5 cm. diam. max(2) - Estimate: £1,000 - 1,500

Exhibited: Naissance et Evolution de L'Ecriture, Société Générale de Banque, Brussels, 8th November 1984 to 3rd January 1985 and Banque Générale du Luxembourg, Luxembourg, 16th January to 6th March 1985.

Notes: Inscriptions in naskhi script from the Qur'an, Sura al-Baqara (II), verses 255 and 256, prayers, names of God, the nada 'ali quatrain and the phrase 'There is no youth (as brave as) 'Ali, no sword (as sharp as) dhu'l-faqar.

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Bonhams. The Jacques Desenfans Collection, 10 Apr 2008. New Bond Street