Qur’an Stand (Rahlah)

Location: Mughal India

Materials: monolithic grey jade, carved

Dimensions: 26.2 x 13.8cm (closed)

Accession Number: MXD 117

Other Notes:

The rahlah, which consists of two interlocking leaves, is carved from a single piece of jade. The upper half of each leaf is in the shape of a lobed ogival arch, carved in relief with a stylised lotus plant.

The scalloped inner edge of the feet creates an arched opening in the lower half. The spandrels are decorated with lotus sprays, their sinuous stems standing in stark contrast to the symmetrical arrangement of the plant above.