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Portfolios%20%3D%20%22613%22%20and%20Sort_Artist%20%3D%20%22North%20Indian%20artist%22
Stonework
Calligraphic Frieze
North Indian artist
North Indian artist
India
Primary
12 x 50 x 5 1/4 in. (30.5 x 127 x 13.3 cm)
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without base
horizontal
overall
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with base
horizontal
overall
Sandstone
Sandstone
16th Century
1500
1599
Stonework
This fragment of a calligraphic architectural frieze is characteristic of North Indian Islamic monumental architecture during the later Sultanate period (1206-1526). The inscription on this fragment, “To Him belongs what is in the heavens and what is on earth. No one may intercede…” is from Surah (chapter) 2:255 of the Qur’an. This verse, called the “Throne Verse,” was frequently used for architectural inscriptions in mosque complexes and tombs. The entire inscription would have been carved in sandstone on high friezes around the interior walls.
"God. There is no deity but Him, the living, the eternal!
Drowsiness does not overtake Him, nor sleep. To Him belongs
what is in the heavens and what is on the earth. No one may
intercede with Him save by His permission. He knows what is
before them, and what is behind them, yet they comprehend
nothing of His knowledge, save as He wills. His throne
encompasses the heavens and the earth, and He does not weary
of preserving them. He is the sublime, the magnificent!”
[Gallery label text, 2009]
2009.8
item
Memorial Art Gallery
5/7/2009
2009.8DI1
digital image
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/2009.8_A1.JPG