Stand for a Qur'an Manuscript 1335 - 1385

This wooden Qur'an stand was made by Zain Hasan Sulaiman Isfahani, its surface adorned with intricate carvings. The cross-legged structure, while functional, transcends mere utility; it symbolizes a meeting point. Consider the ancient Roman labarum, a standard displaying the cross, which served not only as a battle standard but also as a symbol of divine sanction and imperial power. Similarly, the Qur'an stand elevates the sacred text, imbuing it with a sense of reverence. The carvings, reminiscent of the arabesque, echo patterns found across Islamic art, from the Alhambra to Persian miniatures. This motif evokes a sense of infinity and unity, reflecting a deeper, perhaps subconscious, longing for spiritual harmony. Like a recurring dream, this artistic lineage surfaces through time, each iteration coloured by its context, yet bound by the threads of cultural memory.