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Classification
Metalwork
Object name
Miniature Case And Amulet
Geography
Iran
Period
Qajar, 19th century CE
Dynasty
Qajar
Materials and technique
Gold
Dimensions
Ø (case) 5.3 cm; length (amulet) 8.5 cm
Accession number
AKM00624
Description
The miniature Qur’an case and amulet both contain inscriptions of verses from the Qur’an. The amulet may have contained rolled pieces of paper with Qur’anic verses or even an entire Qur’an written in miniscule ghubar (“dust”) script, so-called because the minute letters were thought to be as small, fragile, and transient as grains of powder. The Qur’an case might have once housed a miniature Qur’an or a section of a Qur’an made in the same shape as the case. The amulet also names the Ahl al-bayt, or “People of the House [of the Prophet],” which include Muhammad, 'Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn. The amulets and case were meant to be worn, their inscriptions and contents meant to invoke God’s power and protection of the wearer. The Qur’an case also includes an Arabic quatrain in addition to excerpts from Surat al-Baqara (The Cow) and Surat al-Qalam (The Pen).
Other similar artefacts
32 pieces found
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