Iranian artwork Essay

Submitted By bayanjk20
Words: 312
Pages: 2

Islamic Artwork made of Steel Iron from Iran

An Islamic art exhibition that captured my interest the most during my visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art was the almost moon-shaped, steel made, Islamic inscription located in Gallery 458. Its origin is Iranian and it dates back to the 17th century. The steel artwork was constructed by Muslim Shiites. It is said that is was designed with a saw and drilled for an openwork art look. The language of the inscription is in Arabic and stands out because of its dexterously carven calligraphy. It contains two parts, one being the small band and the other the large band. The small band is a verse from the Quran and the other is dedicated to an invocation to Ali. The translation in English of the large band: “Habib (or) tabib (the larger band starts off with an end to a word; it is either habib-friend or tabib-doctor) every worry of grief will be removed by your guardianship (or sanctity) O Ali, O Ali, O Ali.” The translation in English of the small band: “And no one is equal to Him” (Surat Al-Ikhlas 112:4). The chapter and the verse concentrate and put an emphasis on pure monotheism. “And those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes through hate when they hear (the reminder)” (Surat-Al-Qalam 68:51). This part is said to be recited to ward off the evil eye. Since only half of the steel work was recovered, the missing part should include the continuation of Surat-Al Qalam. “But it is nothing else but a