Tombstone in the Form of an Architectural Niche

Unknown

dated A.H. 753/1352 CE · Marble; carved · Islamic Art

Incorporating various styles of calligraphic script within its representation of an architectural niche, this tombstone is of historical as well as aesthetic interest. The text of its geometricizing kufic inscriptions include the profession of faith known as the Shahada and passages from the Qur'an. The curvilinear cursive inscriptions provide clues to its history. In the middle framing band are the name and titles of Shaikh Mahmud ibn Sada Muhammad, a leader of a religious brotherhood who "left this world" on the fourth of Muharram 753 / February 21, 1352. The artist’s signature, partly legible as "Niza[m] . . . Shihab," is in the area below the niche.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated A.H. 753/1352 CE

Medium

Marble; carved

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1935