Miniature Qur'an Case, Iran, 19th century, Gold, chased and hammered, AKM624.1

Miniature Qur'an Case, Iran, 19th century, Gold, chased and hammered, AKM624.1

Known as a bazuband, this type of Qur'an case was worn as an arm ornament. A silk string would be threaded through the palmette-shaped loops on either side of the box and tied around the bicep of a pious and wealthy person. Whether worn on the arm or around the neck, miniature Qur'an cases were portable talismans that offered the protective powers of the divine word, through both holy verses inscribed on the object and the sacred text contained inside.

Aga Khan Museum

19th century

Aga Khan Museum

Aga Khan Museum

Dimensions: 5.3 cm

Materials: Gold, chased and hammered

Arabic

AKM 624.1

Iran