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This is a museum piece of a small plate from Qing Dynasty. It is made in China for Persian market.The plate is decorated with red foliage around the centre alternating with Arabic calligraphy squibbles. In the centre there is a square box consists of 16 cells filled with Arabic numerals. This square is also known as a magic square or Waqf or "Buduh".
This plate most likely produced for talismanic purpose or Taweez. I do not know exactly what the magic square in this plate represent for but it can be for any reasons such as finding love, opening gate of blessing, curing diseases, etc.
This BUDUH tradition is believed in existence prior to Islam most likely originated from China. From a Chinese literature dated circa 650BCE, there was a record of identifying 3x3 grid pattern from a turtle shell hence formulating the mystical means to control the water from the river.
This magic square were known to Islamic scholars as early as 7th century due to the contact with the East. Throughout the time, the magic square has evolved and developed to serve for numerous mystical purposes.The magic square started from grid of 4x4, 6x6 & 7x7 and by 19th Century, 100x100 grid is created.
The arabic numerals in the cells look so ambiquous. The look like number ٥ (5) and ١ ١ (11). The sum on any row or colum will give the same amount which is 32.
The Arabic squibbles around the plate were barely readable however I could see few places with the word الله ( The God Allah), and few phrases I can almost red it as لا اله الا الله ( There is no God except Allah). There are also 4 distinct Arabic phrases around the magic square. I have to compare it with some plates from the internet to figure out what they are.
لا السيف الا الزالفقر There is no sword except Zulfikar
لا شاخص الا علي There is no man except Ali
When the name of Ali is mentioned, it became clear that this talisman plate is used by the Shiite.
It is important to note that the use of Talisman ( Taweez) is a mystical science or occult and against the teaching of Islam and the mainstream Islamic scholars.
The plate is 100mm diameter.
Check below my other plate
Qing Blue & White Plate
Blue & White Plate
Swatow Plate
