A FINELY ILLUMINATED QAJAR SHI'A PRAYER SCROLL: DU'A KUMAYL
Qajar Iran, 19th century

Arabic manuscript on wove paper, written in neat black ink naskh script in clouds reserved against a gold ground, the illuminated headpiece painted in gold and polychromes with concentric polylobed arches infilled with floral meanders, vegetal sprays and a stylised knotted arabesque, the opening with the prayer title (Du'a Kumayl) in red against a gold ground, the cusped cartouche flanked by polychrome floral sprays on a cobalt blue ground, the brown leather cover with a scalloped and cusped flap attached at headpiece.

197.7cm x 7.8cm

Provenance: Sotheby's London, 25 October 2023, lot 34.

The specific prayer of this scroll, Du'a' Kumayl (Arabic: دعاء كميل, lit. 'supplication of Kumayl') is a supplication attributed to the first Shi'a Imam, 'Ali bin Abi Talib (d. 661). It is particularly revered in Shi'a circles and it is believed to contain esoteric teachings about divine mercy and repentance. In this case, the choice of scroll format is quite suited. Indeed, the compact scroll would have allowed the pious Shi'a Muslim owner to carry this prayer with him in an amulet case or hirz, and even wear it, maximising the auspicious protection and blessing this scroll could yield.