Description
SOLD: Exceptional Mughal India stone panel full Quranic chapter Over 300 years old
This is a large panel of Mughal pink sandstone carved in great detail and artistic talent with the Bismillah and full Surah Ikhlas. The actual colour of this stone is pink and it is very similar to the sandstone in the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque. Mughal period sandstone is usually red (Lal Qila – Red Fort in Delhi), mottled pink or pink.
The use of two circles and the extended letters in the inscription forming spokes between the two circles give the appearance of a wheel (the symbol found on the Indian flag).
The thickness of the calligraphy also is typically Mughal in style. The floral motifs in the corners are also very Mughal as they are shaped in the style of lotus flowers. This lotus flower design is also found in the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore.
The inscription is one of the shortest chapters of the Quran named “Surah Ikhlas”
Surah 112: Al-Ikhlas (The Unity, Sincerity, Oneness Of God)
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
1. Say: He is God, the One and Only
2. God, the Eternal, Absolute
3. He does not beget, nor is He begotten
4. And there is none comparable to Him.
This chapter describes the Oneness or Uniqueness of God.
Therefore, what a flourish by the artisan to place God’s personal name (‘Allah’) at the centre of this stone panel. Also, if you look closely at the inscription you will notice how the artisan also separated out the name of God “Allah” away from the main inscription so you will note “bism Allah”, “ho w-Allah-u ahad” and “Allah hus-samad”.
Another sign of the quality and importance of this Mughal stone panel is the depth of the inscription. The stone is carved up to one inch deep in some areas. There is some minor wear and blemishes that are commensurate with the age of this panel. There is a small ‘knock’ at nine o’clock and a minor scrape at six o’clock. This is insignificant and does not detract from the overall magnificence of this stone panel.
Mughal sandstone panels with a complete Surah of the Quran are extremely rare to find and very scarcely come onto the market for sale.
The wood frame is around 50-60 years old and provided some protection to the stone. There is a ‘film’ or thin layer of dirt covering the stone which could easily be removed by a professional stone cleaner.
The stone section at the front measures around 500mm x 500mm.
With the frame, the size is around 700mm x 700mm.
Provenance: Purchased from daughter of Syrian diplomat who was working in 1950’s (full details will be provided to purchaser).
Shipping at cost but please keep in mind that this piece weighs around 30kg.
All of our items come with a guarantee that they are genuine and legitimately sourced.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE
All items are guaranteed genuine and as described.
A Certificate of Authenticity is provided on request.
Payments must be made in UK GBP£Sterling unless otherwise agreed.
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Please contact us before making any returns so we can issue a return order number.
Returns can only be made if a written statement from a national museum or international auction house provides evidence that an item is not as described.
Please note that any returns will be subject to a 10% return fee to cover any costs incurred.