A pair of Safavid cut steel bazubands made for Muhammad Quli Khan, Persia, 17th Century

consisting of two bazubands (talismans), each of lobed circular form with an openwork plaque fixed by gold or brass pins to a solid backplate, the front plaque cut and chiselled with four lines of cursive script, two palmette-form attachment loops to each side

Both in good condition, some weathering to surface, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions

The text runs across the bazubands:

An Arabic quatrain by the Sufi poet Abu Sa'id Abi'l Khayr (d. 440/1049) and:

be-jehat-e sarkar-e 'alijah /mu'alla jaygah sahibi / Muhammad quli khan be-etmam rasid raqimahu Muhammad salih

'It was completed for the one of exalted rank, with elevated position, my master Muhammad Quli Khan. Its scribe, Muhammad Salih'

The absence of any attributes or date makes it impossible to identify either the patron or the scribe.

Bazubands were worn around the upper arm for both decorative and talismanic purposes. It remains unclear precisely where and when this fashion began, though it has been suggested that it may have originated at the Mughal court as evidenced by their appearance in Mughal paintings. The Mughal prince Salim, eldest son of Emperor Akbar and the future Emperor Jahangir, is shown wearing a pair of elegant bazubands in a painting, circa 1600-1605 (see Robinson 1988, no.p.16, col.pl.18), and in another portrait of slightly later date after his accession to the throne (see Lowry 1988, no.69).