Kashkul, Religious Mendicancy Vessel

Collection number	銅168-2918
Provenance	Iran
Period	Qajar period
Date	19th Century
Material	Iron
Dimension	H. 14.0 cm
Comment	Called kashkul, this container was used by the Sufi sect called dervishes for obtaining alms while wandering. Dervishes used to carry a coconut shell cut in half or a boat-shaped metal container that mimicked a coconut shell by hanging it from the waist. Sufis are people who practice religion by resigning themselves to honorable poverty, seeking the truth of Islam, and aiming for the mystical experience of union with God. It is said that they were named Sufi because of the modest wool (sūf) clothing they were wearing. The top face of this piece shows that there are two people across the inscription smoking a water pipe. The other inscription on the top face states the name of the artist, Haji Abbas. This artist’s name can be found in numerous works. It is possible other artists inscribed his name to capitalize on his fame.
Classification	bronze vessel
Keywords	Brown, Golden color Gorgeous, Fine Western Asia, Iran Islamic Dynasties, Late Islamic Period, Qajar Dynasty Metal, Iron Vessel, Bowl, Kashkul Letter, Arabic, Plant, Leaf/Vine, Human, Male
資料ID	2219