Prayer Book

Art Historical Context

This exquisite prayer book, created by the artist ‘Abd al-Q Hisari in 176 CE, represents a example of Islamic manuscript tradition. Measuring just six inches tall, its compact size made it ideal for personal devotion and travel. As a codex from the Islamic Art collection, it reflects the deep cultural importance of handwritten religious texts in the 18th century, when such works served both spiritual and artistic purposes. Crafted with ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper, the manuscript showcases the refined techniques of calligraphy and illumination prized in Islamic art. Delicate gold detailing enhances the text and decorative elements, while the leather binding, also adorned with gold, protects the pages with elegance. The inclusion of ship motifs alongside the calligraphy adds a distinctive visual interest, perhaps evoking themes of journey or divine protection. Today housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this work highlights the enduring legacy of skilled artisans like Hisari, whose contributions preserved both faith and beauty through intimate, portable objects.