Islamic Talismanic Manuscript 18th Century

RARE - Antique Islamic Talisman Manuscript - Late 17th

Description

The manuscript is in the form of a portable booklet bound in antique leather, retaining approximately 60 manuscript pages (31 double-sided leaves).

The set constitutes a structured operative compendium, organized in chapters ("bāb"), pertaining to traditional talismanic practices (ḥijāb / taʿwīdh) and the science of letters (ʿilm al-ḥurūf).

The content is distinguished by great internal coherence and real formal richness, combining:

- magic squares (wafq) with lettered combinations
- elaborate ritual figures and diagrams (radiating structures, quadrangular devices and directional schemes)
- polychrome calligraphic cartouches (red, green ink and gold highlights)
- invocations and assemblages of divine names (asmā' Allāh)
- operative instructions written in Arabic, formulated in the imperative, attesting to a practical and not purely devotional use

Some pages present veritable graphic devices intended to structure ritual action, testifying to a tradition of applied religious magic, halfway between learned transmission and specialized popular practice.

By its completeness, chapter structure and variety of figures, this manuscript stands out clearly from the more common isolated or fragmentary productions.

Era: Late 18th century

Origin: Islamic world, probably Maghreb or Near East

Materials: manuscript paper, black and red inks, colored highlights, leather binding

Condition: wear from use, alterations and fragilities consistent with an object handled in a ritual context; complete and coherent set

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