Author
Unknown
Publication Date
1859
Publication Place
Iran (made) -
Subject
Lions (Animals)
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
Length: 29cm, Width: 14.3cm, Height: 12cm
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
876-1889
Record ID
876-1889
Library Location
Middle East Section
Date
1859
Notes
The beggar's bowl or âkashkulâ was a sign of the religious poverty assumed by Islamic mystics. This function is reflected in the inscriptions used. On this âkashkulâ they include verses from the Qur'an as well as poetry in Persian praising the âkashkulâ in mystical terms. This bowl is carved from half the shell of a huge nut. It is the fruit of the coco de mer palm which grows in the Seychelle Islands, in the Indian Ocean. The shell washes ashore in southern Iran. The shellâs journey took on spiritual significance as a symbol of the dervishâs journey on the ocean of mystic knowledge. Many âkashkulsâ even have a âprowâ carved on them. Others, including this one, have a small spout to make the bowl into a drinking vessel.
Sample Text
invocation and poemTranslationO âAli, help.
This kashkul is of the Apparent Sun;
It is of the light of the manifest Creator.
If you put your finger on its lip [you will hear?]
Until the Resurrection this kashkulâs cry of âO âAliâ., dateTranslation1276NoteAt end of Qur'anic inscription
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Nut shell of coco de mer palm, carved
Fiziksel açıklama
Kashkul carved from coco de mer. A mouthpiece has been added to make it a drinking vessel, and rings to allow it to be suspended. The surface is carved with Persian and Arabic inscriptions, as well as scenes including lions.
Üretim
dated AH 1276
Üslup
Qajar
