Book Case, Central Asia or Iran, early 20th century, Silver, fire-gilded with open work and table-cut carnelians, On loan from the Marshall and Marilyn R. Wolf Collection, Toronto, LI2021.30.8

Book Case, Central Asia or Iran, early 20th century, Silver, fire-gilded with open work and table-cut carnelians, On loan from the Marshall and Marilyn R. Wolf Collection, Toronto, LI2021.30.8

According to Islam, the Qur'an offers divine protection, and the holy book has often been kept in a lavishly decorated case when not in use for recitation. Silver, the main material of this case, was thought
to possess healing properties in the Central Asian Turkmen tradition. The combination of holy book and silver metal suggests apotropaic or protective qualities, with the Qur'an in its case hung up on the wall to offer blessings to the owner of the house or tent.

Wolf Collection

early 20th century

Photographer credit: Courtesy of the Marshall and Marilyn R. Wolf Collection

Wolf Collection

Materials: Silver, fire-gilded with open work and table-cut carnelians

Arabic

M. M. Wolf Collection LI2021.30.8

Central Asia or Iran