Beggar's Bowl (Kashkul)

dated 1210 AH/1795–96 CE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 803

Kashkuls (begging bowls) are the most emblematic accoutrement of the wandering dervish. They are typically boat-shaped and made in a variety of media such as coco-de-mer shell, metal, ceramic and wood. This example in coco-de-mer shell is distinguished for the biblical-inspired subject matter featuring a Muslim adaptation of the story of Abraham's Sacrifice of Isaac (here Isma'il) that is seen at the bottom. This story gained popularity in Iran in the second half of the nineteenth century and is found in paintings and lacquerware. The kashkul also bears an inscription in fine nasta'liq script which contains the Nad-i 'Ali (Prayer to ‘Ali), excerpts from the Qur'anic throne verse (Ayat al-Kursi) and invocations to Shi'i Imams.

Artwork Details

Title: Beggar's Bowl (Kashkul)
Date: dated 1210 AH/1795–96 CE
Geography: Made in Iran
Medium: Coco-de-mer, carved
Dimensions: L. 13 in. (33 cm)
Classification: Wood
Credit Line: Purchase, 2017 and 2018 NoRuz at The Met Benefits, 2019
Object Number: 2019.300
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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