This brass globe is divided into twelve equal sections (for months). Line of equator is marked in degrees, the stars are represented by small cavities and the constellations by engraved pictures. (Safavid, 1649-50)
Astrolobes measured time and distance using the movement of stars. This one is made of brass and has one fixed and six removable disks. An openwork disk with curved pointers sits on top. The back has a perforated pointer attached by a screw, which is decorated with dots. (Alhomad, 1252-53)
This brass jug is decorated with floral motifs and interlace bands in silver and gold inlay. The handle is in the form of a dragon. There are inscriptions set inside cartouches, one such is the owner’s name on the foot. (Timurid, 1466-67)
The tasbih (declaring praise to the Lord) or prayer beads is used at the end of the ritual prayers or by dervishes. A large bead marks the beginning and end of the string, smaller beads divide rest of the beads into groups. Typically, a tasbih has 99 beads. This one is made from the clay of Karbala. It’s here that the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Imam Hussain, was martyred in 680AD.This Gold-plated alem is in the form of a palm leaf on a tall base with three knobs. Quranic inscriptions adorn the main part. The summit is itself in the form of a smaller alem. Alems or finials were used as a symbol of power and sovereignty. (Ottaman, 18th century)
This brass candlestick rests on a circular plinth. It has engraved and niello decoration with a handle at each upper edge. Persian couplets adorn the edges of the rim. (Ottoman, 17th century)
This rock crystal casket has an octagonal body and a domed lid, both of which are set with emerald and rubies in flower shaped gold sockets linked by gold stems. It was made to contain hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). (Ottoman, 16th century)This hilyat panel has the top resembling a mihrab or prayer niche and has a picture of Madinah with Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) tomb. The centre has a circular medallion with text describing the physical attributes of the Prophet as narrated by Ali. Names of the four caliphs are inscribed in the four corners, top and bottom have Quranic verses. It ends with a prayer followed by the name of the calligrapher and a date. The hilyat was believed to protect the house where it was hung in. (Ottoman, 1797-98)This brass alms dish is in the form of a boat with dragon heads at either end, its eyes are made of turquoise. The dish is engraved with rumi scrollwork and medallions. Quranic inscriptions fill up the outside. The owner and the maker finds a mentions too. Some Persian poems are also present. Kashkul as they were called in Turkish, were carried by dervishes for alms collection. (Safavid, 17th century)This depiction of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) footprint is on a silver plaque set in a wooden frame, and lined with blue paper with rosettes. The top frame has a rose bud and a blooming rose. The rose motifs symbolise the Prophet. When the Prophet ascended to heaven during Miraj, he left an impression on a stone. The depiction here is copied from the same. It is believed to bring good fortune. (Ottoman, 1640-41)This multiple-niche prayer mat can serve seven people simultaneously. It’s made of green velvet decorated with flower and leaf motifs cut from pink, green, red and blue broadcloth. A silk embroidery is used on the tiny circles. (Ottoman, 19th century)This short sleeves, wrap-around, talismanic shirt is made of white linen and is lined with green silk. The inscriptions have verses from the Quran. The back has several motifs, including a pair of scorpions and Zulfiqaar. The double-bladed sword of Ali was attributed with magical power. It’s depiction here reflects the belief that the power of Ali will protect the one wearing it. (Ottoman, 19th century)This inscription panel is embroidered in the dival technique in yellow wire on green velvet, surrounded by a border of scrolls. The Arabic inscription literally reads, “Here lies Hazrat Fatima Al-Zahra, most illustrious of women, may Allah grants her Her blessing.” It could have been used on her tomb in Madinah. (Ottoman, 19th century) Surah Al-Ikhlas with the kalima by calligrapher Salih, 1845. (Ottoman, wood, silver paint)The painting depicts Mir’aj which holds a special place in the Islamic calendar. It’s the night when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ascended the heaven on a mystical creature (buraaq) guided by the angel Gabriel. The angel first took him from the Kaaba to Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and from there to heaven. The obligatory five prayers resulted from this journey (referred to as Isra in the Quran). There’s an element of mystery in the event and so cultural influences show in its depiction. A case here is the representation of houris and a lion on the top left. (Image: Kisas-i-Enbiya, Suleymaniye Library, Turkey)This copper sherbet pan is engraved with medallions and pendants with inscriptions in cartouches. Borders of floral motifs cover the top and bottom. Two names are engraved on the rim which could be of the maker or the person who sanctioned it. (Mamluk, 15th century)This rehal or book showcases Anatolian Seljuk woodwork. It is decorated with Quranic inscriptions and a few oral traditions of the Prophet (pbuh). It has openwork rumi and palmette motifs. The rehal used to be an integral part of Muslim households, as it was used for Quran reading, before the audio visual invasion. (Seljuk, 13th century)The silver Ewer and basin, which has a perforated strainer, in this sample are engraved with a pattern of interconnected medallions with a dot inside each. A knob in the form of a rose tops the lid. (Ottoman, 19th century)A ney is a flute made of hollow reed stem. This one has two silver bands in the middle to hold the body together. It became a symbol of Islamic mysticism after Rumi found its sound expressing love of God. The Mawlawis understandably call it nay al-sharif. (Ottoman, 1718)A painting of Madinah showing the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), few pilgrims some of whom are praying and the date garden of Fatima (daughter of the Prophet). The unsigned painting is gouache on ivory. (Ottoman, 19th century)
This cast steel mirror has a heavily engraved back. It has a holding knob in the centre surrounded by two symmetrical sphinxes. A prayer in kufi script surrounds the edges. In ancient Egypt, the sphinx was a symbol of the hereafter. It later symbolised prosperity and mysticism. (Seljuk, 12th century).
(Source for all above items: Topkapi Museum)
The Ardabil (after a city in Iran) Carpet is the oldest carpet (1539-40) in the world and also one of the largest (10.5m x 5.3m). Its surface is covered by a single integrated design. The border is in the form of four parallel bands, which surrounds a rectangular field having a large yellow medallion in its centre. The medallion is surrounded by a ring of pointed oval shapes, and a lamp is shown hanging from either end. This centrepiece is matched by four corner-pieces, which are quarters of a similar but simpler composition, without the lamps. The dyes used were made from natural materials like pomegranate skin and indigo, so the shades vary slightly, producing a ‘ripple’ effect where darker and lighter batches of wool were used. Each part of the design is filled with one or more types of scrollwork set with swirling flowers or leaves. (Source: Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
