Religious objects - Brass, Copper - 1800-1850 - Quran Gate, 19th century

03
days
03
hours
32
minutes
27
seconds
Current bid
€ 61
Reserve price not met
Surya Rutten
Expert
Selected by Surya Rutten

Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
CH
€61
CH
€56
FR
€51

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 140482 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

Antique Islamic Porta Corano in copper and brass from Afghanistan, dating to the 19th century, with dimensions 16 cm high, 17 cm wide, 2.7 cm deep and about 500 g, decorated with inscriptions and the Seal of Solomon.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Antique Islamic Quran-dedication portable case in copper and brass with inscriptions and the Seal of Solomon
Fascinating antique Islamic Quran holder / devotional case, made of copper or copper alloy and richly decorated with yellow metal elements, presumably brass.
The artifact presents a rectangular structure with a distinctive shaped upper part and hinged lid, accompanied by two perforated side elements, presumably intended for threading a strap or cord for carrying or suspending the case.
The entire surface is embellished with a dense Islamic-style decoration consisting of arabesques, vegetal tendrils, palmettes, and stylized floral motifs, organized according to a refined symmetric composition. The light metal of the decoration stands out against the dark burned background, creating a striking contrast.
Medallion with inscriptions
Particularly interesting is the central circular medallion, in which inscriptions in Arabic-Persian script are arranged around a six-pointed star, a motif traditionally known in Islamic art as the Seal of Solomon (Khatam Sulayman).
Among the inscriptions, the name “Allah” (God) seems to be recognizable, together with other brief inscriptions or religious formulas. Due to the highly stylized handwriting and wear, a complete translation of the inscriptions is not provided.
The combination of the Seal of Solomon and the epigraphic formulas suggests that the container could have, in addition to the function of a reliquary for a small Quran or devotional texts, a protective or talismanic meaning.
Provenance and dating
On stylistic and constructive characteristics, the object is attributable to the Islamic world, probably the Iranian-Afghan or Central Asian area.
Proposed dating: 19th century / early 20th century.
Geographic and chronological attribution is indicative and formulated on the basis of the visible characteristics of the object; it is not accompanied by documentation or expert appraisal.
Dimensions
Height: 16 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 2.7 cm
Weight: about 500 g
Condition
The object shows patina, oxidations, abrasions, wear, and small deformations compatible with age and use. Traces of previous interventions or repairs are also visible, particularly in some side areas.
The interior preserves strong oxidation and patina of the metal.
Please examine carefully all the photographs, which are an integral part of the description and document in detail the condition.
Interesting testament to Islamic art and private devotion, characterized by the rich metalwork and the distinctive epigraphic medallion with the Seal of Solomon.

Antique Islamic Quran-dedication portable case in copper and brass with inscriptions and the Seal of Solomon
Fascinating antique Islamic Quran holder / devotional case, made of copper or copper alloy and richly decorated with yellow metal elements, presumably brass.
The artifact presents a rectangular structure with a distinctive shaped upper part and hinged lid, accompanied by two perforated side elements, presumably intended for threading a strap or cord for carrying or suspending the case.
The entire surface is embellished with a dense Islamic-style decoration consisting of arabesques, vegetal tendrils, palmettes, and stylized floral motifs, organized according to a refined symmetric composition. The light metal of the decoration stands out against the dark burned background, creating a striking contrast.
Medallion with inscriptions
Particularly interesting is the central circular medallion, in which inscriptions in Arabic-Persian script are arranged around a six-pointed star, a motif traditionally known in Islamic art as the Seal of Solomon (Khatam Sulayman).
Among the inscriptions, the name “Allah” (God) seems to be recognizable, together with other brief inscriptions or religious formulas. Due to the highly stylized handwriting and wear, a complete translation of the inscriptions is not provided.
The combination of the Seal of Solomon and the epigraphic formulas suggests that the container could have, in addition to the function of a reliquary for a small Quran or devotional texts, a protective or talismanic meaning.
Provenance and dating
On stylistic and constructive characteristics, the object is attributable to the Islamic world, probably the Iranian-Afghan or Central Asian area.
Proposed dating: 19th century / early 20th century.
Geographic and chronological attribution is indicative and formulated on the basis of the visible characteristics of the object; it is not accompanied by documentation or expert appraisal.
Dimensions
Height: 16 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 2.7 cm
Weight: about 500 g
Condition
The object shows patina, oxidations, abrasions, wear, and small deformations compatible with age and use. Traces of previous interventions or repairs are also visible, particularly in some side areas.
The interior preserves strong oxidation and patina of the metal.
Please examine carefully all the photographs, which are an integral part of the description and document in detail the condition.
Interesting testament to Islamic art and private devotion, characterized by the rich metalwork and the distinctive epigraphic medallion with the Seal of Solomon.

Details

Era
1400-1900
Weight
500 g
Title additional information
Quran Gate, 19th century
Number of objects
1
Material
Brass, Copper
Country of origin
Afghanistan
Height
16 cm
Width
17 cm
Sold with stand
No
Depth
2.7 cm
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Estimated period
1800-1850
Sold by
ItalyVerified
271
Objects sold
90.91%
Private

Similar objects

For you in

Indian & Islamic Art