Footed Bowl (Kashkul)
1753 (made)
| Place of origin |
The beggar's bowl was a sign of the religious poverty assumed by Islamic mystics. Paradoxically, they can be objects of great sophistication. The inscriptions often include verses from the Qur'an or poetry in Persian about the mystic's quest for enlightenment. In this example, however, the text around the rim is a Shi'ite prayer. One is a short Arabic poem which begins 'Call upon Ali, in whom miracles are manifested'. The other is a triple invocation of God, Mohammed and Ali.
This particular bowl also has elaborate openwork carving on the side handles. This type of carving is associated with the village of Abadah near Isfahan and was used on utensils of different types.
This particular bowl also has elaborate openwork carving on the side handles. This type of carving is associated with the village of Abadah near Isfahan and was used on utensils of different types.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Lime wood; carved and painted |
| Brief description | Footed bowl (kashkul) with elaborately carved openwork handles at the side, and footed base, Iran (probably Abadeh), Qajar period, dated 1166H./1753 |
| Physical description | Footed bowl with prominent openwork handles (in the form of two large buteh) on the sides; some highlighting in green paint. Inscriptions are carved on either side of the bowl's rim; one is the Arabic verse Nadi 'Aliyyan, while the other is a triple invocation of God, Mohammed and 'Ali. Dated 1166H./1753. |
| Dimensions |
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| Summary | The beggar's bowl was a sign of the religious poverty assumed by Islamic mystics. Paradoxically, they can be objects of great sophistication. The inscriptions often include verses from the Qur'an or poetry in Persian about the mystic's quest for enlightenment. In this example, however, the text around the rim is a Shi'ite prayer. One is a short Arabic poem which begins 'Call upon Ali, in whom miracles are manifested'. The other is a triple invocation of God, Mohammed and Ali. This particular bowl also has elaborate openwork carving on the side handles. This type of carving is associated with the village of Abadah near Isfahan and was used on utensils of different types. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 877-1889 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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