A GHAZNAVID MARBLE FUNERARY FRAGMENT, DATED 597 AH/1200 AD

Of rectangular shape. It is engraved in Arabic on both sides of the longitudinal coronation, as well as on the front sides.
A peculiar decorative element, made of a knot-like motif and a chevron, most likely a connotative sign.
The coronation text is executed in naskhi script and contains verse:
Al-Shahada ‘there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger’.

The shape of the top element and the pattern of the engraving on both sides can be compared with samples that can be traced back to the second half of the 11th century or to the early years of the next century. As the upper element of the tombs dating back to the second half of the 12th century until the early 13th century has a slightly trapezoidal shape and is often characterized by the presence of the statement of faith (the testimony) repeated on each side.
68.5 by 22 by 16 cm.

PROVENANCE
Private collection, Germany