Talismanic Devices and Imbuements on Islamic Arms

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 31st January 2019, 09:54 PM

I note that across the entire spectrum there appear certain key royal marks such as the Ottoman (Othmanli) Tughra although in this case below I show an Indian blade mark of Royal intent... The Parasol Mark. This mark thus appears as an imbuement to the other Talisman figures on these important weapons.

In addition it carries three dots atop the Parasol and second cartouche which is in Islamic script and flanked to one side by the Buduh square as well as ribbons of attribution to Religious Iconic figures; again in scripted gold style.

SEE https://auctionsimperial.hibid.com/l...=2&ref=catalog FOR THE SUPERB DESCRIPTION

Jens Nordlunde · 31st January 2019, 10:40 PM

Ibrahiim, could you possible turn the pictures so they will fit within the frame?
Thank you
Jens

Kubur · 31st January 2019, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

SEE https://auctionsimperial.hibid.com/l...=2&ref=catalog FOR THE SUPERB DESCRIPTION

... famous Imperial Parasol mark indicating it was owned by the Mughal Emperor...

Well in fact it was given by the Mughal emperor not owned... that's a huge difference... but still a royal provenance i agree

Jim McDougall · 1st February 2019, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kubur

... famous Imperial Parasol mark indicating it was owned by the Mughal Emperor...

Well in fact it was given by the Mughal emperor not owned... that's a huge difference... but still a royal provenance i agree

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.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 2nd February 2019, 12:39 PM

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, 06:17 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, 07:33 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, 04:37 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.

31st January 2019, 09:54 PM	#1
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	I note that across the entire spectrum there appear certain key royal marks such as the Ottoman (Othmanli) Tughra although in this case below I show an Indian blade mark of Royal intent... The Parasol Mark. This mark thus appears as an imbuement to the other Talisman figures on these important weapons. In addition it carries three dots atop the Parasol and second cartouche which is in Islamic script and flanked to one side by the Buduh square as well as ribbons of attribution to Religious Iconic figures; again in scripted gold style. SEE https://auctionsimperial.hibid.com/l...=2&ref=catalog FOR THE SUPERB DESCRIPTION Attached Images Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 31st January 2019 at 10:14 PM.

2nd February 2019, 06:17 PM	#6
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 06:32 PM.

3rd February 2019, 04:37 PM	#8
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

31st January 2019, 10:40 PM	#2
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Ibrahiim, could you possible turn the pictures so they will fit within the frame? Thank you Jens

2nd February 2019, 07:33 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,944	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!