Calligraphic Galleon

'Abd al-Qadir Hisari

dated A.H. 1180/ 1766–67 CE · Ink and gold on paper · Islamic Art

The hull of this sailing ship comprises the names of the Seven Sleepers and their dog. The tale of the Seven Sleepers, found in pre-Islamic Christian sources, concerns a group of men who sleep for centuries within a cave, protected by God from religious persecution. Both hadith (sayings of the Prophet), and tafsir (commentaries on the Qur'an) suggest that these verses from the Qur'an have protective qualities.

Artist

'Abd al-Qadir Hisari

Date

dated A.H. 1180/ 1766–67 CE

Medium

Ink and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art and Rogers Fund, 2003