Lot 138: A RARE ENGRAVED POLYCHROMED WOODEN QURAN STAND REHAL, INDONESIAN OR MALAY, 19TH CENTURY

A hand-carved wooden folding book stand, known as a rehal. The stand is constructed from two interlocking panels of dense hardwood, possibly teak, carved from a single block to create a functional hinge. The upper panels, intended to support a book, are decorated with a geometric fretwork pattern of concentric squares and diagonal lines interspersed with floral rosettes. The lower legs exhibit deep pierced openwork carving with scrolling foliate and floral motifs. Traces of red pigment or a previous finish are visible in the recessed areas of the carving.

L: 36cm