This object is a rectangular piece of wall art with calligraphy of Sūra 113 of the Qurʾān (“The Daybreak” or “Break of Dawn”). Like the “Dome of the Rock” jewelry box, this also seems to be an example of Palestinian handcrafted art made with natural seashells covering wood board. The penultimate chapter of the Muslim holy book, believed to have been revealed at Mecca to the Prophet Muḥammad (583-609), the verses can be translated as follows (based on translations by Khalidi, Bakhtiar, Pickthall & McAuliffe):
In the name of God, the beneficent, the merciful.
Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the break of dawn
From that which causes harm among those things which He created;
From that which causes harm in the night when it approaches,
And from the harm of malignant witchcraft,
And from the harm of the envier when he envies.
Here is a link to a video on one of the manufacturers of the aforementioned types of crafts based in the Jerusalem and Bethlehem areas: https://youtu.be/LmMyKucPU0E?si=cnqnGhCn79BO8_fN
Examples of their works, including boxes for Bibles and Qurʾāns and other religious objects for both Muslims and Christians, are available for sale here: https://jerusalemshops.ps/product/dome-of-the-rock-figurine-2020cm
- Subject Matter: Sacred text, Islam
- Collections: Sacred World Art Collection