Nine parchment amulets, all written by same kabbalist. Probably Palestine, [first half of 20th century].
Ink on parchment; frames of sheet metal and glass.
1-2. Two amulets to protect mother and newborn, to be hung on walls of room; one on the eastern wall and the other on the western wall. 10X8 cm. Housed in tin frames. One amulet missing glass.
3. Amulet for the protection of the home and household. 13.5X8.5 cm. Housed in tin frame (in secondary use; tin originally from oil or kerosene can). Broken glass.
4-9. Six personal parchment amulets, in long, narrow format, to bless with good fortune and healing, with finding a mate, with general welfare and success, and to grant protection from all manner of misfortunes. Size and condition vary.

Seven parchment and paper amulets. Near East, [first half of 20th century].
Ink on parchment; ink on paper.
Including: three amulets written by the same kabbalist, all with hand ("hamsa") symbol, and inscribed in Hebrew "to the man" or "to the woman" on outside; one amulet in rectangular format, "for protection and long life" (Hebrew); one amulet with hand ("hamsa") symbol and sword; one amulet with Hebrew letters in "angelic script"; and more. Six amulets written on parchment, one written on paper. Most rolled up, in long, narrow format.
Size and condition vary.

Twenty-one amulets in original cases, most of them sealed. Kurdistan and surrounding regions, [first half of 20th century].
Sheet metal, shaped and soldered; lead; leather and parchment; cotton thread; metal chain and various types of laces.
Large collection of sealed amulet cases, with original amulets:
1-6. Six metal cases, four cylindrical and two rectangular, with suspension loops. One case unsealed.
7-18. Twelve leather cases, five cylindrical and seven rectangular or square, some with suspension loops. Four cases unsealed.
19-21. Three cases made of parchment or thin leather, two (probably from Kurdistan) with amulets for the protection of "Nazdare daughter of Nargiz". Third amulet with indecipherable text. Fair-poor condition.
Enclosed: Two empty amulet cases.
Size and condition vary.

Twelve amulets and amulet cases. Near East, [20th century].
Various materials.
1. Silver crown-shaped amulet case, opened and closed with a hinge. The name "Mardush" is inscribed in Hebrew on the cover in silver thread. With gemstone and floral and droplet-like patterns. Engraved on back with Hebrew inscription "Ben Porat Yosef". Parchment amulet inside.
2. Rectangular silver amulet case, with silver thread, and with the Hebrew inscription "Shaddai" on the front.
3-4. Two amulet pendants [makers: Ya'akobi Family]. One gilt pendant, inscribed (Hebrew) on back: "And you shall see your children's children [and] peace upon Israel" (Psalms 128:6). Engraved on back of one other pendant, Hebrew inscription: "For I will restore health to you, and I will heal you of your wounds, says the Lord" (Jeremiah 30:17).
5. Chain with 15 hamsa pendants and one additional triangular pendant, all engraved with image of open eye and names of G-d.
6-7. Two hamsa pendants with Hebrew inscriptions "Ben Porat Yosef" and "Incantation to the Evil Eye." (Bukhara? Uzbekistan?).
8. Three silver pendants, bound together: one hamsa pendant, another square-shaped pendant with tapering dome and name of G-d, and a third pendant with engraved floral (?) patterns.
9. Iron amulet in form of stylized cartouche, slightly convex, inscribed in Hebrew with "Ben Porat Yosef" and other inscriptions. Iran or Iranian Kurdistan.
10. Very small piece of marble with Hebrew inscription "Refael Gabriel" (names of guardian Archangels) in gilt letters.
11. Amulet wrapped in faux leather case, attached to chain of beads with silver hamsa pendant. (Samarkand? Uzbekistan?).
12. Amulet made from fruit of blue jacaranda tree, inscribed (in Hebrew) with protective and health-inducing inscriptions.
Size and condition vary.

Decorated copper bowl. Probably Iran (Persian region), [17th or 18th century].
Copper, repoussé and engraved, coated with either tin or some other metal.
Small, high-rimmed copper bowl, with geometric patterns and inscriptions.
Diameter: 12 cm. Height: 6 cm. Cracks to bottom.