Lot 220: AN ISLAMIC ENGRAVED BRASS GENEALOGICAL PLAQUE OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD, 20TH CENTURY

A large arched brass genealogical plaque, or Shajara, depicting the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad. The piece is constructed from a heavy-gauge brass sheet with a scalloped upper edge, secured to a blue-dyed leather backing by a series of small rivets around the perimeter. The central field features a stylized genealogical tree (Shajarat al-Nasab). The vertical trunk is inscribed with the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad, listing ancestors from Abd al-Muttalib down to Adnan. The branches terminate in leaf-shaped medallions inscribed with names of family members and related tribes in Naskh and Thuluth scripts. Above the tree is a horizontal inscription reading “The Genealogical Tree of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him”. Three larger circular medallions are positioned above the trunk, the central two inscribed “Allah” and “Muhammad”, while the top crest contains a stylized calligraphic roundel reading “Rasul Allah” (Messenger of God). A bold, horizontal calligraphic band at the base features Quranic verse 21:107: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds”. The upper pediment and side borders are decorated with dense engraved foliate scrollwork, enclosed by an outermost border featuring a repeating guilloche-like circular motif. The engraving is enhanced with black pigment inlay to improve the legibility of the calligraphy and ornamentation. The reverse of the plaque is entirely covered in a blue leather or suede material that follows the scalloped silhouette of the metal.

H: 93cm