Talismanic Devices and Imbuements on Islamic Arms

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 2nd February 2019, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Well noted, and I think what is being observed are the various perceptions toward these distinct occurrences of the gold parasol on certain very high quality Indian blades.

There are suggestions that the parasol mark was indicative of the finest Persian blade makers for Royal patrons, and that this mark indicates Royal ownership or indeed for presentation deserving such recognition.
The blade in the link also carries the Assad Allah cartouche, which of course aligns with the suggestion regarding Persian blade makers. Along with that is the beduh square, which brings the character of this blade into the talismanic perspective which is themed in Ibrahiims observation.

The parasol as being discussed, can also have talismanic properties being symbolized (still in its Royal connotation) in that it is of course a protective device in character, in addition to its auspicious meaning representing in effect the 'dome of heaven'.

In many examples of the parasol marking the three dot device is included at the base of the handle, also the dangling fringe dots from the parasol dome are typically three on each side.

HELLO Jim ..I note the following thread here on EAA Library as full of detail on the PARASOL on MUGHAL weapons. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7165

In addition I add this dagger with Cartouche and Parasol as also of Royal linkage although in many cases not necessarily owned by the Emperor(BUT THIS ONE WAS SHAH JAHANs) but perhaps more his insignia denoting fine quality; probably made in a Royal Workshop. (The larger picture from the thread at para 1 at # 7 by RAND.)

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 2nd February 2019, 05:17 PM

Is it possible that the three dot form is in fact linked closely to Koranic script? ...see the picture of the very important red amulet below surrounded by the row of triple dots..With an important verse from the Koran inside the protective? dots.

This object is illustrated from the MET museum and incorporated at https://simergphotos.com/2013/02/19/...-muslim-world/

Jim McDougall · 2nd February 2019, 06:33 PM

That is truly an interesting and compelling note !
The 'three' is a significant numeral in many contexts it seems, and as it transcends cultures and religions, superstitions, etc. it is perceived accordingly.

While obviously the three in Christianity signifies the Holy Trinity, but in other religions it has similar purpose but clearly different in definition.

It would be interesting to see more on this angle of the three dots in use!

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 3rd February 2019, 03:37 PM

Hello Jim,

The use in combination with Koranic script is most interesting and it seems there were no barriers on blades in using any of these marks singly or in multiples or all together. Thus I searched for evidence from the Religious script viewpoint and although the dots were not always used they certainly sometimes were.. I suspect their presence indicates a particularly important verse however what the exact meaning was meant to convey...protection from evil spirits or as some form of added sentinel or simply a good luck omen it is difficult to be certain.. diffusion in use across the different artefacts seems proven and below I have two forms ; one on Ceramic and the other on Islamic script.
On the tile is the clear three dot symbol of Tamberlane on a Turkish ceramic accompanied by the elusive second element of Tamerlanes marker... tiger stripes.

On the script and geometric covers of a rare pair of document covers at page 30 of TRM TAREQ RAJEB MUSEUMs 1994 DOCUMENT ...the actual contents being on page 31 which comprise Al-Shihabs Sayings of THE PROPHET(PBOH) written in Valencia 1172 AD. THE 3 DOTS in this case appearing just off the main page but seemingly guarding it. Notice also that the outer most border of the covers comprises a complete band of figure 3 and figure 5 dots...thus possibly signifying a kind of sentinel or guard line protecting the entire folder and inner document.

Jens Nordlunde · 3rd February 2019, 04:38 PM

Yes the Cintamani (clouds?) is often shown with three dots or maybe it is a flower.
Hilt probably Deccan 17th century with a straight blade.
Catalogue pp. 313-314.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 4th February 2019, 04:23 PM

SEE https://www.academia.edu/17314322/_%...2007_pp._33-49

WHERE IF EVER AN academic paper brilliantly presented blows the entire roof clean off many of the ideas rumours legends and reasoning previously attempted on this great subject>>> The Cintamani Dots>

See below the amazing coat ...Short-sleeved kaftan with Cintamani motifs. Bursa, attributed to Mehmet II but probably 16th century. 13/6, Topkapı Saray Museum, Istanbul.

I thought it a good plan to place the Epilogue first since it is all encompassing but needs the research of the entire document. IT is brilliant>

Quote"Epilogue;

This paper has taken account of the infinitely complex way in which the triple-ball pattern was formed and became known as Cintamani in Ottoman art. Because of its immense impact on the art of the Ottoman period and modern times, a decorative peculiarity of three balls in the triangular arrangement has been celebrated by inviting yet confusing etymological stories. The misleading naming — Cintamani — has increased yet another perplexity and turned into one of the scholarly wonders in Islamic art studies. Clearly, this decorative motif is by no means a parody of Buddhist jewels. Its Turco-Iranian associations speak for itself. There is no intention to rehearse the Ottoman story of Cintamani — how the creative spark of Ottoman designers made this motif special; how the echo of Cintamani reached its climax in the design of ceramics in the 16th century and subsequently spread across variety of media; and how it became standardized due to its involvement in the mass market and lost its exquisite flavour in the 17th century. Yet in any case, Cintamani appears along the ebb and flow of Buddhist inspiration.

As the style mellowed, the triple-ball pattern lost its animal features and began to convey different artistic messages. Its talismanic function was by degrees enhanced in Ottoman contexts, combining the forms of a crescent; it was eventually incorporated into a symbol of Islam, the profession of faith, as exemplified in the design of Ottoman banners."Unquote.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 4th February 2019, 07:51 PM

Might and Magic: The Use of Talismans in Islamic Arms and Armor

On Islamic armour we haven't really set much in print here, however, please see https://www.metmuseum.org/blogs/rumi...arms-and-armor and especially the armoured shirt where the individual rings are stamped with religious names...

2nd February 2019, 05:17 PM	#2
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Is it possible that the three dot form is in fact linked closely to Koranic script? ...see the picture of the very important red amulet below surrounded by the row of triple dots..With an important verse from the Koran inside the protective? dots. This object is illustrated from the MET museum and incorporated at https://simergphotos.com/2013/02/19/...-muslim-world/ Attached Images Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 2nd February 2019 at 05:32 PM.

3rd February 2019, 03:37 PM	#4
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Hello Jim, The use in combination with Koranic script is most interesting and it seems there were no barriers on blades in using any of these marks singly or in multiples or all together. Thus I searched for evidence from the Religious script viewpoint and although the dots were not always used they certainly sometimes were.. I suspect their presence indicates a particularly important verse however what the exact meaning was meant to convey...protection from evil spirits or as some form of added sentinel or simply a good luck omen it is difficult to be certain.. diffusion in use across the different artefacts seems proven and below I have two forms ; one on Ceramic and the other on Islamic script. On the tile is the clear three dot symbol of Tamberlane on a Turkish ceramic accompanied by the elusive second element of Tamerlanes marker... tiger stripes. On the script and geometric covers of a rare pair of document covers at page 30 of TRM TAREQ RAJEB MUSEUMs 1994 DOCUMENT ...the actual contents being on page 31 which comprise Al-Shihabs Sayings of THE PROPHET(PBOH) written in Valencia 1172 AD. THE 3 DOTS in this case appearing just off the main page but seemingly guarding it. Notice also that the outer most border of the covers comprises a complete band of figure 3 and figure 5 dots...thus possibly signifying a kind of sentinel or guard line protecting the entire folder and inner document. Attached Images

3rd February 2019, 04:38 PM	#5
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Yes the Cintamani (clouds?) is often shown with three dots or maybe it is a flower. Hilt probably Deccan 17th century with a straight blade. Catalogue pp. 313-314. Attached Images Last edited by Jens Nordlunde; 3rd February 2019 at 04:51 PM.

4th February 2019, 04:23 PM	#6
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	SEE https://www.academia.edu/17314322/_%...2007_pp._33-49 WHERE IF EVER AN academic paper brilliantly presented blows the entire roof clean off many of the ideas rumours legends and reasoning previously attempted on this great subject>>> The Cintamani Dots> See below the amazing coat ...Short-sleeved kaftan with Cintamani motifs. Bursa, attributed to Mehmet II but probably 16th century. 13/6, Topkapı Saray Museum, Istanbul. I thought it a good plan to place the Epilogue first since it is all encompassing but needs the research of the entire document. IT is brilliant> Quote"Epilogue; This paper has taken account of the infinitely complex way in which the triple-ball pattern was formed and became known as Cintamani in Ottoman art. Because of its immense impact on the art of the Ottoman period and modern times, a decorative peculiarity of three balls in the triangular arrangement has been celebrated by inviting yet confusing etymological stories. The misleading naming — Cintamani — has increased yet another perplexity and turned into one of the scholarly wonders in Islamic art studies. Clearly, this decorative motif is by no means a parody of Buddhist jewels. Its Turco-Iranian associations speak for itself. There is no intention to rehearse the Ottoman story of Cintamani — how the creative spark of Ottoman designers made this motif special; how the echo of Cintamani reached its climax in the design of ceramics in the 16th century and subsequently spread across variety of media; and how it became standardized due to its involvement in the mass market and lost its exquisite flavour in the 17th century. Yet in any case, Cintamani appears along the ebb and flow of Buddhist inspiration. As the style mellowed, the triple-ball pattern lost its animal features and began to convey different artistic messages. Its talismanic function was by degrees enhanced in Ottoman contexts, combining the forms of a crescent; it was eventually incorporated into a symbol of Islam, the profession of faith, as exemplified in the design of Ottoman banners."Unquote. Attached Images Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 4th February 2019 at 04:44 PM.

4th February 2019, 07:51 PM	#7
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Might and Magic: The Use of Talismans in Islamic Arms and Armor On Islamic armour we haven't really set much in print here, however, please see https://www.metmuseum.org/blogs/rumi...arms-and-armor and especially the armoured shirt where the individual rings are stamped with religious names... Attached Images

2nd February 2019, 06:33 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,459	That is truly an interesting and compelling note ! The 'three' is a significant numeral in many contexts it seems, and as it transcends cultures and religions, superstitions, etc. it is perceived accordingly. While obviously the three in Christianity signifies the Holy Trinity, but in other religions it has similar purpose but clearly different in definition. It would be interesting to see more on this angle of the three dots in use!