Collections: Arts of the Islamic World: Chihil Kilid (Forty Keys) Divination Bowl with Inscriptions, Zodiac Signs, and Four Plaquettes

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Chihil Kilid (Forty Keys) Divination Bowl with Inscriptions, Zodiac Signs, and Four Plaquettes

• Medium: Copper alloy (brass), engraved with repoussé center and inlaid with black composites
• Place Made: Western Iran, Iran
• Dates: 1679
• Dynasty: Safavid
• Period: Safavid
• Dimensions: Height: 3 in. Diameter: 7 1/2 in.
• Collections: Arts of the Islamic World
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Arts of the Islamic World, 2nd Floor
• Accession Number: 1989.149.11
• Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson in memory of her husband
• Image: Overall, 1989.149.11_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2009
Chihil Kilid (Forty Keys) Divination Bowl with Inscriptions, Zodiac Signs, and Four Plaquettes, 1679. Copper alloy (brass), engraved with repoussé center and inlaid with black composites, Height: 3 in. Diameter: 7 1/2 in. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson in memory of her husband, 1989.149.11 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1989.149.11_PS2.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: A brass divination bowl with a raised semi-spherical center. There are tiny inscriptions engraved on the entire surface, both interior and exterior of the bowl. On the interior, the inscriptions in naskhi script appear in round, overlapping medallions. On the exterior, inscriptions also appear in round medallions; however, within a border below the rim, the inscriptions alternate with depictions of the zodiac signs. Inscriptions also cover the surface of the everted rim.