Antique 18th century Indo Persian Islamic Qur'an Stand Kursi In Khatamkari

Antique, 18th to early 19th century, Indo-Persian Islamic Qur'an stand (known as kursi or Rahla) in a typical folding X form. It is made of sycamore wood and inlaid with micro-mosaic (khātamkari) consisting of colored woods, bone, and metal marquetry. The stand is composed of two intersecting parts that are hinged together.

The upper part is decorated on both sides with a six-pointed star, known as the Seal of Solomon (Khātim Sulaymāni خاتم_سليمان), while the lower half features openwork carving with a palmette motif and is profusely decorated with geometric designs. The inner surface of the lower half is roughly painted with a "V" pattern.

REFERENCES: Please note that this is not an ordinary Qur'an stand like most others; it is of museum quality and is considered a piece of Islamic artwork. A similar stand is on display at two of the world's leading museums: the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Please see the links below.

http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O38990/quran-sta...

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/collectio...

Another comparable 18th-century stand is part of the Museum of Ethnology Rotterdam collection, known as the "Museum voor Land- en Volkenkunde." It is featured in the book titled "Dreaming of Paradise: Islamic Art from the Collection of the Museum of Ethnology Rotterdam," on page 198, figure 170. Please refer to the last picture attached to the listing for further details.

The buyer will be provided with a copy of the pages from the mentioned book, together with a certificate of authenticity.

MEASUREMENTS in open position:

Overall length: 46. cm (18.11 inches). Height: 26 cm (10.24 inches). Width: 17.5 cm (6.89 inches).

Dimensions in folded position: 47 cm x 17.5 x 2.5 cm (18.5 Inches x 6.89 cm x 1 inch).

CONDITION: The age and usage are evident, with some loss to the bone inlay on the bottom edges of the stand. However, the stand remains in good condition, considering it is over 300 years old.

We strive to provide as much information and photographs as possible. Please see all 20 photos in the listing since they are part of the object's condition description.