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Divination Bowl with Inscriptions and Zodiac Signs

Arts of the Islamic World

On View: Arts of the Islamic World, 2nd floor
MEDIUM Copper alloy (brass), engraved with repoussé center
  • Place Made: Iran
  • DATES mid–16th century
    PERIOD Safavid
    DIMENSIONS 3 3/4 x 8 1/2 x 8 1/2in. (9.5 x 21.6 x 21.6cm)  (show scale)
    INSCRIPTIONS Oh God, May They Grace descend upon Al Mustafa Muhammad/Murtada `Ali the virgin Fatima/The grandsons Hasan and Husayn/May Thy Grace descend upom Zayn al-Ibad `Ali al Baqir/Muhammad al Sadiq Ja`far. al Kazim Musa, al-Rida, `Ali al Taqi/Muhammad, al-Naqi `Ali, al-Zaki al `Askari/ Hasan, May Thy Grace descend upon the Imam, al-Mahdi Muhammad. The frieze at the bottom of the bowl includes Sura 48 (al-Fath, "The Victory) from the Qur'an.
    ACCESSION NUMBER 1989.149.7
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson in memory of her husband
    PROVENANCE Prior to 1989, provenance not yet documented; by 1989, acquired by Irma Bezold Wilkinson (Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson) of New York, NY; December 14, 1989, gift of Irma Bezold Wilkinson to the Brooklyn Museum.
    Provenance FAQ
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Arts of the Islamic World, 2nd floor
    CAPTION Divination Bowl with Inscriptions and Zodiac Signs, mid–16th century. Copper alloy (brass), engraved with repoussé center, 3 3/4 x 8 1/2 x 8 1/2in. (9.5 x 21.6 x 21.6cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson in memory of her husband, 1989.149.7. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1989.149.7_view01_PS11.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 1989.149.7_view01_PS11.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2022
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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