English
DonateMembershipTickets

Pocket Qur'an

dated 1200 AH/1785 CE
Not on view
The small size of this finely illuminated Qur’an manuscript renders it a portable, intimate object with protective powers. Its use as a talisman is further confirmed by an annotation in a cartouche that refers to it as tilism (Arabic word for "talisman") and the inclusion of a Qur’anic divination chart (fal-i Qur’an) at the back of the manuscript.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pocket Qur'an
  • Date: dated 1200 AH/1785 CE
  • Geography: Country of Origin Iran
  • Medium: Manuscript: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
    Binding: Pasteboard, opaque watercolor and gold under transparent lacquer varnish
  • Dimensions: H. 4 5/16 in. (11 cm)
    W. 2 7/8 in (7.3 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, 2013
  • Object Number: 2013.987
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
More Artwork
Calligraphic Plaque, Steel; forged and pierced
probably late 17th century
Anthology of Persian Poetry, Amir Shahi of Sabzavar  Iranian, Main support: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper<br/>Binding: Lacquer
Poet Amir Shahi of Sabzavar
Poet Maulana Nur al-Din `Abd al-Rahman Jami
Poet Nasir Khusrau
16th century
Swan-Neck Glass Bottle, Glass, blue; dip-molded, blown, folded foot
19th century
Divan of Sultan Husayn Baiqara, Sultan 'Ali al-Mashhadi  Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; lacquer binding
Calligrapher Sultan 'Ali al-Mashhadi
dated 905 AH/1500 CE
Pen Box (Qalamdan) Depicting Shah Isma'il in a Battle against the Uzbeks, Papier-maché; painted and lacquered
early 19th century

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.

Send feedback

Content Notice

The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world, and our online collection reflects ongoing work conducted over the course of our more than 150-year history. You may encounter objects or images that may be inappropriate for some viewers or information that may be outdated.