Discover the Qur’an as a source of artistic inspiration and expression in this selection of works on paper.
These elaborate boxes are known as bazuband (armband) because they were tied to the arm using string. Used as amulet cases, they may well have also been employed to store miniature Qur’ans, or select verses of the revelation considered to hold special protective powers.
The talismanic nature of these objects is confirmed by the verses used in the inscriptions decorating them. The star-shaped medallion on the lid of this case features a basmala (an Islamic formula that reads ‘in the name of God, the Merciful and the Compassionate’). Part of the surat al-Falak (‘The Daybreak’), invoking God’s protection, can also be seen in the band surrounding it.
Objects are sometimes moved to a different location. Our object location data is usually updated on a monthly basis. Contact the Jameel Study Centre if you are planning to visit the museum to see a particular object on display, or would like to arrange an appointment to see an object in our reserve collections.
Objects from past exhibitions may have now returned to our stores or a lender. Click into an individual object record to confirm whether or not an object is currently on display. Our object location data is usually updated on a monthly basis, so please contact the Jameel Study Centre if you are planning to visit the museum to see a particular Eastern Art object.
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