Dublin Core
Title
Printed Amulet with Box, Egypt, 11th century, Paper, lead, AKM508.a-b
Description
In addition to Qur'anic and other devotional inscriptions, amulets often display magic squares--symmetrical arrangements of equal numbers, arranged on vertical, horizontal, and diagonal axes--in regular patterns called wafq, murabba', or buduh. One of the most popular of these is the 4 × 4 magic square, also known as 'Plato's Square,' named after the Greek philosopher. The consistency of the alphanumeric pattern across the various axes is a charming puzzle that also evokes the profound harmony of the cosmos.
Publisher
Aga Khan Museum
Date
11th century
Contributor
Aga Khan Museum
Rights
Aga Khan Museum
Format
Dimensions: Amulet: 7.2 x 5.5 cm; Case: 2.7 x 1.3 cm
Materials: Paper, lead
Materials: Paper, lead
Language
Arabic
Identifier
AKM 508 A-B
Coverage
Egypt
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