Detail of the Calligraphic Galleon with the Names of the 7 Sleepers in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, August 2019

Calligraphic Galleon
dated A.H. 1180/ A.D. 1766–67


Object Details

Title: Calligraphic Galleon

Calligrapher: 'Abd al-Qadir Hisari

Date: dated A.H. 1180/ A.D. 1766–67

Geography: Made in Turkey

Medium: Ink and gold on paper

Dimensions: H. 19 in. (48.3 cm)
W. 17 in. (43.2 cm)

Classification: Codices

Credit Line: Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art and Rogers Fund, 2003

Accession Number: 2003.241

The hull of this sailing ship comprises the names of the Seven Sleepers and their dog. The tale of the Seven Sleepers, found in pre-Islamic Christian sources, concerns a group of men who sleep for centuries within a cave, protected by God from religious persecution. Both hadith (sayings of the Prophet), and tafsir (commentaries on the Qur'an) suggest that these verses from the Qur'an have protective qualities.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/454611