A journey to search my soul

This is a blog of my personal collections. The purpose of this blog is to educate myself and public in regards to antiquities especially related to religion and calligraphy. I welcome everyone to input their feedback in this blog which they think would be helpful. I do not watermark the photos in this blog so everyone is free to use them as long as they are not used for illegal and unethical reasons. I appreciate if you could notify me if you plan to use any of the photos here. Enjoy browsing!!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Ancient Coin Review 38 : Sultan Zainal Abidin I ( Menduga 1360 CE)


This is a gold Mas coin from Sultan Ahmad II era. However this coin was stuck for supposedly Sultan-to-be Zainal Abidin. He was then the vice Sultan at Samudra. It's believed the coin struck in Menduga. The coin struck in Menduga generally is bigger and thinner than the one struck by previous Sultans though still weighing 0.6grams. The coin was struck in 1360CE prior to occupation of Samudra-Pasai by Majapahit.
This Sultan Zainal Abidin is a different person than the Sultan who ruled Pasai during 1383-1405CE. He died on the same year of the striking of this coin before ascending the throne.
Some coin collectors suggested that this coin for Sultan Zainal Abidin in Sumatra Kampar.

Obv: As Sultan Al Adil
Rev: Zainal Abidin Malik AtTahir
Weight : 0.57 gm
Dim : 14mm
Date : 1360 CE
Rarity :
Denom : Mas
Material : Gold
Reference : SP 7a pg 150 ( Jaarboek Voor Munt-en Penningkunde)

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Ancient Coin Review 37 : Sultan Aladin Bin Ali ( Aceh Sultanate 1537 - 1571 CE)


This is a gold kupang coin from Sultan Aladin era. Sultan Aladin ascended the Achenese throne after dethroning his brother Sultan Salahadin in 1537CE. During his rule, he launched a numerous attacks against Malacca but unsuccessful.

Obv: As Sultan Al Adil
Rev: Aladin bin Ali Malik AtTahir
Weight : 0.60 gm
Dim : 12mm
Date : 1537 - 1571 CE
Rarity :
Denom : Kupang
Material : Gold
Reference : A 6c pg 164 ( Jaarboek Voor Munt-en Penningkunde)

Ancient Coin Review 36 : Sultan Salah bin Ali ( Aceh Sultanate 1530-1537CE)


This is a gold kupang coin from Sultan Salahadin era. Sultan Salahadin ascended the Achenese throne after the death of his father Sultan Ali Mughayat Shah in 1530CE. However according to historian Djajadinigrat, Sultan Salahadin was not interested in governing the empire and was spending more time in pursuing luxury & pleasure. His brother who was a ruler of Samudra, dethroned him and let him die in a dungeon.

Obv: As Sultan Al Adil
Rev: Salah Ibnu Malik AtTahir
Weight : 0.58 gm
Dim : 11mm
Date : 1530 - 1537 CE
Rarity :
Denom : Kupang
Material : Gold
Reference : A 5 pg 162 ( Jaarboek Voor Munt-en Penningkunde)

Ancient Manuscript Review 52 : Antique Ottoman Quran ( 1179AH)




This is a complete Ottoman handwritten Quran. I acquired it from Istanbul sometime in 2005.

Manuscript Specs

Item : A handwritten Ottoman Quran
Content : A complete Quran
Dim : 7.5" x 5" x 1"
Date : 1179 AH ( 1765CE)
Copyist : Anonymous
Origin : Turkey
Calligraphy : Nasqh
Design : Text written in Nasqh script on cream paper with vowel & diacritical signs in black & red. 15 lines per page.The first two pages are plainly decorated.
Purchased Price :USD

Ancient Manuscript Review 51 : Antique Malay Quran Manuscript (18th century)

This is a beautifully written Quran manuscript originated from South East Asia. Its believed to have been written in 18-19th century. This manuscript is written in Malay calligraphy. I acquired this manuscript from a friend in Indonesia quite a while ago.
Manuscript Specs Item : Antique Malay Quran
Manuscript Content : Quran
Dim : 15" x 4" x 1"
Date : 18-19th century
Copyist : anonymous
Origin : South East Asia
Calligraphy : Malay ?
Design : Written in Malay scripts in red & black
Purchased Price :US