Antique Elaborately Carved Beggar’s Bowl Kashkul

A fine Kashkul carved from half of the giant nutshell of Coco-de-mer likely from Persian Qajar Dynasty circa 18-19th century. Kashkul is a container known as the beggar’s bowl, carried by wandering Dervishes, member of the Sufi sect of Islam and used to collect elms. As the most emblematic accoutrement for the ascetics, Kashkul symbolizes the renouncement of all worldly possessions and subsisting on the generosity of humanity. The Kashkul on offer takes an organic shape of a boat with a sprout for pouring, taking the advantage of the natural form of the coco-de-mer. The surface was finely decorated with carvings. Scrolling floral motif on the top surface surrounds animal figures including a gazelle, a horse and a lion or leopard. The mid-body has a circumventing band with a repeating Persian/Arabic phase inscription (not fully deciphered, likely a Koranic phrase in an archaic form, possibly Nastaliq as the first word is Allah). The bottom features a central figure donning a tall hat with flowing hair and beard, resting an axe on his shoulder. This depicts the story of prophet Ibrahim who destroyed the false idols people worshipped. Originally, the kashkul was attached to a chain, which is no longer present but the two pin holes on top remain.
This is a wonderful example of an Islamic work of art in its original fine condition. For similar examples in the same material dating to the similar period, see collection in MET (2019.300); V&A (876 dash 1889) and Aga Khan Museum (AKM640). A similar kashkul was sold in Christie’s sale no.15505 (Oct 25th; 2018) Lot 118.