Provenance and authenticity documentation available for every piece.
Islamic Bronze Signet Ring with Kufic Inscription – “Yusuf” (12th–15th c. AD) – EU 60 / US 9,25
Material:
Era:
- Islamic
Rarity:
Description
A finely cast medieval Islamic bronze signet ring featuring an engraved Kufic inscription within a hexagonal frame, symbolizing faith, identity, and divine protection.
Description
This solid bronze signet ring presents a wide, flat bezel engraved with an intricate Kufic or pseudo-Kufic inscription framed by a hexagonal border. The shoulders carry repeating diamond and line motifs, typical of Ayyubid–Mamluk craftsmanship between the 12th and 15th centuries AD. The Kufic script, though stylized, evokes the prestige of Arabic calligraphy, representing blessings or personal invocation. With its balanced form and deeply patinated surface, the piece embodies both spiritual symbolism and practical function as a merchant’s or traveler’s seal.
Details
Material: Bronze with aged green patina
Date: Islamic, 12th–15th Century AD
Ring Size: EU 60 / US 9,25
Condition: Excellent ancient condition with strong engraving and uniform patina
Provenance: Private European collection, acquired before 2000
Unique Identifier: R-106-B
Restoration and Authenticity
This piece is preserved in its untouched state, showing natural aging and patina from centuries of burial and wear. For those who prefer a refreshed look, a professional restoration service is available, reviving original detail while respecting historical integrity.
If you’d like to book a restoration, simply add the restoration option along with your order or book it as the additional product in my shop.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Historical Context
During the medieval Islamic period, bronze signet rings engraved with Kufic script served as both personal identifiers and talismanic objects. The Kufic alphabet—among the earliest forms of Arabic calligraphy—was revered for its geometric beauty and sacred connotations. Even when stylized into pseudo-Kufic, as in this example, it conveyed divine order and literacy. Such rings were common across the Islamic Mediterranean and Levant, used by traders, officials, and pilgrims who valued their aesthetic and protective power.
Care
To maintain the beauty and integrity of your purchase, we recommend treating it with care. Simple maintenance practices, such as gentle washing and proper storage, can effectively preserve the longevity of your favorites. We encourage you to refer to the care instructions included with each item, designed to help you keep your purchase in top condition.
Authenticity
Each artifact we offer has been carefully examined by qualified professionals to ensure its authenticity. Our assessment considers historical style, craftsmanship, materials, and the wider typology of comparable pieces.
Because historical scholarship evolves, we offer a lifelong authenticity guarantee: if two independent, accredited laboratories ever determine that an item is not genuine, we will refund you in full.
What size is this ring?
The EU size of this ring is: 57
The US size of this ring is: 8.5
You can find information about ring sizes and how to determine your own, here.
Delivery Times & Processing
We prepare and ship most orders within 2–5 business days.
Delivery times depend on your location:
- EU orders: usually arrive within 1–5 business days.
- Non-EU orders: shipping typically takes 3–14 business days once dispatched.
- Export documents: Some antiquities require official export paperwork before shipping, which can take 2–8 weeks depending on the item and the issuing authority.
All orders are fully insured and you will receive tracking information as soon as your shipment is on its way.