Talismanic Scroll

Unknown

11th century · Ink on paper; block-printed · Islamic Art

Centuries before block printing was introduced in Europe, the technique was used in the Islamic world to produce miniature texts consisting of prayers, incantations, and Qur'anic verses that were kept in amulet boxes. The text on this amulet is in the angular kufic script. The six-pointed star, a familiar symbol in Islamic art, is usually called "Solomon's seal."

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th century

Medium

Ink on paper; block-printed

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Nelly, Violet and Elie Abemayor, in memory of Michel Abemayor, 1978