A group of six Timurid and Safavid engraved jade pendants Persia, 15th - 17th Century(6)A group of six Timurid and Safavid engraved jade pendants Persia, 15th - 17th Centurycomprising four of lobed cartouche form, two of cartouche form with gold metal surround and suspension loop to top, variously engraved and decorated with foliate motifs and inscriptions, one with a pierced border the largest 8 cm. max.(6)Inscriptions: to the largest lobed pendant, in the centre in nasta'liq, the nada 'ali quatrain, to the borders, in naskh, the call to God to bless the Prophet and the Twelve Imams, to the reverse, the letters: B/D/W/H for beduh, a talismanic word recorded as the name of a jinn or an angel capable of magic, used for protective purposes. To one of the pendants with gold metal surround, li-sahibihi al-sa'ada wa al-salamah, 'To its owner, happiness and well-being.' To a third, on both sides, 'aqibat bi-khayr bad, 'May the ending be good.'Jade was considered an auspicious stone under the Timurids, believed to be apotropaic in nature as well as representing their Turkic Central Asian heritage. It was therefore often used in pendants such as those featured in the present lot, bringing protection to the wearer in addition to their decorative function. For a comparable Timurid pendant sold at Sotheby's, see Arts of the Islamic World & India including Fine Rugs and Carpets, 30 March 2022, lot 106.Important Notice to BuyersSome countries e.g., the US, prohibit or restrict the purchase by its citizens (wherever located) and/or the import of certain types of Iranian-origin works. As a convenience to buyers, Bonhams has marked with the symbol R all lots of Iranian (Persian) origin. It is each buyer's responsibility to ensure that they do not bid or import a lot in contravention of the sanctions or trade embargoes that apply to them.