Standard

This standard, or alam, would have been used in religious processions and is made of perforated gilt copper. The ornamental calligraphy arranged within a frame in the form of a bird of prey is the Shia Muslim prayer, the Nad-i cAli, or 'Call to Ali', praising the son-in-law of the Prophet. The standard is thought to have been made in Delhi in the 17th century and was bought by the museum in 1913 from Imre Schwaiger, the famous Hungarian dealer who lived in that city, for £8.

Physical description

The alam is made of perforated gilt copper, its Arabic calligraphy enclosed within a frame in the form of a bird of prey.

The letters are those of the Shia Muslim prayer, the Nadi cAli, or 'Call to Ali'.

Place of Origin

Deccan?, India (made)

Date

17th century (made)

Artist/maker

unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Perforated gilt copper

Dimensions

Height: 13 3/4 in, Width: 8 in

Object history note

Bought from the Hungarian dealer Imre Schwaiger, a resident of Delhi, in 1913 for £8.

Descriptive line

STANDARD (ALAM) IN THE FORM OF A CALLIGRAPHIC BIRD: Gilt copper, perforated. Mughal or Deccan, 17th century.

Exhibition History

Islamic Calligraphy (Cartwright Hall, Bradford 01/01/1987-31/12/1987)

Labels and date

STANDARD (ALAM) IN THE FORM OF A CALLIGRAPHIC BIRD: Gilt copper, perforated. Mughal or Deccan, 17th century.

This falcon resting on a perch is formed from the letter of a Shia Muslim prayer, the Nadi cAli, or 'Call to Ali'. [Nehru Gallery: 2001]

Production Note

Mughal

Materials

Copper; Gilt

Techniques

Perforated

Subjects depicted

Calligraphy; Bird of prey

Collection code

SSEA

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