Lot 231: A CARVED WOODEN ISLAMIC MEASURING VESSEL (MUDD) WITH CALLIGRAPHY, 19TH CENTURY

This hand-carved hardwood vessel is a traditional Islamic measure, known as a mudd, historically used for measuring grain and dry goods. Fashioned from a single block of dense timber, the cylindrical form features a wide continuous band of Arabic calligraphy carved in high relief. The inscription is rendered in a bold, folk-influenced Thuluth script and comprises the phrase Muhammad rasul Allah (Muhammad is the messenger of God). The calligraphic band is framed by simple incised horizontal border lines at the rim and base. The interior has been hollowed out, leaving thick walls and showing signs of manual tool work. The vessel is finished with a deep, dark-brown patina.

Height: 14 cm.