Publication Date
1753
Publication Place
Iran (made) -
Subject
Woodwork Islam
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
Length: 30 cm, Height: 14.2 cm
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
877-1889
Record ID
877-1889
Library Location
Middle East Section
Date
1753
Notes
The beggar's bowl was a sign of the religious poverty assumed by Islamic mystics. Paradoxically, they can be objects of great sophistication. The inscriptions often include verses from the Qur'an or poetry in Persian about the mystic's quest for enlightenment. In this example, however, the text around the rim is a Shi'ite prayer. One is a short Arabic poem which begins 'Call upon Ali, in whom miracles are manifested'. The other is a triple invocation of God, Mohammed and Ali. This particular bowl also has elaborate openwork carving on the side handles. This type of carving is associated with the village of Abadah near Isfahan and was used on utensils of different types.
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Lime wood; carved and painted
Fiziksel açıklama
Footed bowl with prominent openwork handles (in the form of two large buteh) on the sides; some highlighting in green paint. Inscriptions are carved on either side of the bowl's rim; one is the Arabic verse Nadi 'Aliyyan, while the other is a triple invocation of God, Mohammed and 'Ali. Dated 1166H./1753.