Author
Unknown (made)
Publication Date
1468
Publication Place
Cairo (made) Egypt (made) -
Subject
Stars Polygons
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
Height: 708cm, Width: 93cm, Depth: 303cm, Weight: 700kg
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
1050:1 to 2-1869
Record ID
1050:1 to 2-1869
Library Location
Middle East Section
Date
1468
Notes
A minbar, or pulpit, stands to the right of the mihrab niche in major mosques. It is used for the sermons delivered during the midday prayer on Friday, the main service of the week. Several woodworking techniques were used to decorate the structure, as here. Most striking are the panels assembled from hundreds of small, carefully shaped pieces of wood. Many, including this one, are set with carved ivory elements, which highlight the complex geometric designs. The decoration often included carved inscriptions. Here they include the name of Sultan Qa'itbay, who ruled Egypt and Syria from 1468 to 1496. During this time, he earned a reputation for piety. He founded and restored many religious buildings and supplied them with minbars (mosque pulpits).
Sample Text
Translation Above doors: Lo! Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! Ask blessings on him and salute him with worthy salutation (Surah XXXIII) Back of doors: Lo! Allah enjoineth justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk (Surah XVI)
İlişki
Paris Exhibition, 1867 Husayn Fahmi Cairo
Tarihsel bağlam
Sultan Qa'itbay sponsored a great revival of the arts in Egypt and Syria during his long reign, especially the production of objects used to adorn mosques. This minbar (pulpit), a masterpiece of Islamic woodwork, was part of that program and bears inscriptions with Qa'itbay's name and titles. The decorative scheme is a time-honoured one consisting of central stars which "radiate" intersecting polygons. The design has been carefully assembled like a mosaic from precisely cut strips of wood, then ornamented with materials of subtly contrasting colors, such as ivory and ebony, to create a beautifully integrated ensemble.
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Carved wood, inlaid with ivory Wood Ivory Inlaid Carving
Parçalar
Minbar, Pulpit, Minbar, Pulpit
Fiziksel açıklama
Islamic pulpit, of carved wood, inlaid with ivory.
Üretim
Dating is based on the attribution to Qaitbay's reign .
Üslup
Mamluk
