Ancient Coin Review 60 : Cyndrical Shaped Ingot / Bidor Perak ( Perak Sultanate 16-19th century)

This is an Ingot or Bidor from Perak Sultanate as early as 16th century. This form of currency is called tin ingot. These ingots were casted of fixed weight and used for all major transactions in the bazaar as a form of currency.The value of each ingot depends upon its weight. By mid 1850's , ingots were gradually replaced by coinages.
Check my other Peraqk Bidor below
Perak Bidor
Perak Bidor

Obv : Blank
Rev:  Blank
Weight : TBA gm
Dim :  TBA mm
Date : 16-19th century
Rarity : RRR
Denom :Ingot          
Material : Tin
Reference : SS7  pg 191 ( The Encyclopedia of the Coins)

Ancient Manuscript Review 96 : Antique Ottoman Mini Quran ( 18th Century)

This is a mini handwritten Quran acquired from Turkey. It is a complete Quran however I suspected the last 4 pages were replaced due to inconsistent handwriting. The Quran was written in a simple Naskh calligraphy. Undated but probably about 200-300 years old based on the design of its binding.
See my other mini Qurans in below link :

Antique Ottoman Sancak
Antique Yemeni Mini Quran
Antique Indian Mini Quran
Antique Indian Mini Quran

Manuscript Specs

Item : Antique Ottoman Mini Quran
Content : A complete Quran
Dim : 8.0cm x 5.5cm x 5.0cm
Date : 18th century
Copyist : anonymous
Origin : Turkey
Calligraphy : Naskh
Design : 11 lines written in Naskh
Purchased Price :US

Ancient Manuscript Review 95 : Antique Etiopian Quran ( 18th Century)

These are beautifully written Quran manuscripts originated from Etiopia. Its believed to have been written in 18-19th century. This manuscript is written in Sudanese type calligraphy in black ink on western paper 11 lines to a page. I still need to do more research about this type of calligraphy. It looks in between Sudani & Somali calligraphy but definitely stemmed from Maghribi style. Brown leather binding beautifully embossed in a middle with a flap. The borders of the pages are ruled with double line red .

The first manuscript which contains the opening Surah Al Fatihah has the first 2 pages beautifully decorated.

There are supposed to have 3 manuscripts ( 30 juzs) for the complete Quran. However I only managed to acquire 2 manuscripts out of 3.

No date but it is estimated written in 18-19th century. There are numerous prayers and notes written on blank pages between main text and cover. There is a note stating the owner of this Quran is Kamil Bin Qasim (baladah Irkawi ?)from Har Etiopia.

This is a very rare acquisition because we dont see many Etiopian Quran in the market or in international hands. I am blessed to have acquired these manuscripts. 
In recent christie's auction on Oct 2014 in London, a similar Quran was sold for USD5223 ( Sale 5526 Lot 367)
Look my other Etiopian Qurans as below links:

30 volumes Etiopian Quran

Etiopian Quran Comparison
Etiopia Minhajul Muslimin

Manuscript Specs

Item : Antique Etiopia Quran ( 2 volumes)
Manuscript Content : 2 volumes ( out of 3 vols) of Quran
Dim : 23 cm x 17 cm x 6 cm
Date : 18-19th century
Copyist : Kamil Bin Qasim
Origin : Etiopia
Calligraphy : Sudani??
Design : Written in Sudani scripts in black
Purchased Price :US

Ancient Coin Review 59 : Sultan Perkasa Alam ( Aceh Sultanate 1702 - 1703 CE)

This is a gold coin from Sultan Perkasa Alam era. He is the cousin of Sultanah Kamalat Shah and reigned Aceh from 1702 - 1703 CE.

Aceh is a state located at the northern end of Sumatra island ( Indonesia). It is also known by its Arabic honorific Darus Salam ( Abode of Peace) from 1511-1959 CE.
Aceh's origins are unquestionably Cham, as the Champa king Syah Pau Kubah sent his son Syah Pau Ling to rule over Aceh when the capital Vijaya in 1471 AD, was sacked by the Vietnamese Le Dynasty.
The Sultanate of Aceh was founded in 1511 CE after the fall of Pasai Sultanate by Sultan Ali Mughayat Shah. It’s presumed that he is the same person as Syah Pau Ling who converted to Islam.
The Sultanate lasted till 1903 when the last Aceh Sultan Muhammad III Daud Shah Johan Berdaulat surrendered to Dutch occupation.

Obv: Sri Sultan Perkasa Alam
Rev: Djohan Berdaulat Shah
Weight : 0.58 gm
Dim : 14mm
Date : 1702 - 1703 CE
Rarity :
Denom : Mas
Material : Gold
Reference : A 22 pg 180 ( Jaarboek Voor Munt-en Penningkunde)

Ancient Manuscript Review 94 : Antique Chinese Quran Ming/Qing Dynasty ( 18th Century)

 

 

 

This is my first aquisition of Chinese Quran. Supposedly this Quran consists of 30 separate volumes ( for 30 juz), unfortunately at the time of purchase, only this volume was available. According to the seller, he purchased this sole manuscript from a Jewish in London quite some time ago.

 

I reckon I was lucky because this manuscript is the first juz of the Quran. The opening Surah Al Fatihah has the first 2 pages beautifully decorated. I could spot some resemblances of the frame design to the Chinese Quran illustrated in books, "Quran Manuscripts"  pg 82 by Colin F. Baker & " AL Quran The Sacred Art of Revelation"  pg 244 by IAMM.

 

The last 2 pages are also beautifully decorated with chinese flower motives.

On the last page there is a scribble on prayer and some other notes which I couldn't decipher. However I have used AI to get the translation as below

Deciphering & Translation of the Text

1. Opening Arabic Invocations (Top 2 Lines)

The first two lines are written in standard Arabic:

• Line 1 (Basmala):

  بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

  "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful."

• Line 2 (Hamdala & Salawat):

  الحمد لله الذي أذهب عنّا الحزن والغم... والصلوة والسلام على محمد وآله أجمعين

  "Praise be to Allah, who has removed from us sorrow and grief... and peace and blessings be upon Muhammad and all his family."

2. Chinese Translation in Xiao'erjing Script (Lines 3–9)

Below is the phonetical reading in Chinese Pinyin and its translation into English:

• Line 3:

  • Xiao'erjing: 塔 門 門 塔 ㄉ ㄕ ㄌ ㄅ ㄐ ㄑ ㄧ ㄅ ㄠ ㄇ ㄛ ㄙ ㄉ

  • Pinyin: Tāmen men tā de shíliú bijiào...

  • Translation: "For those students who desire to learn, it is essential that..."

• Line 4:

  • Pinyin: Bǎ yī bèi bāo bù ōu...

  • Translation: "That many people over there consider it necessary to..."

• Line 5:

  • Pinyin: Dá suàn jǐ ge...

  • Translation: "To intend/plan and hold fast to..."

• Line 6:

  • Pinyin: Shělǐ'ātè fǎ... (شريعة / Shari'ah)

  • Translation: "The Islamic religious law (Sharia) for the scribe day and night, completing the recitation of the Quran (Khatam Quran)..."

• Line 7:

  • Pinyin: Nì biǎo shì...

  • Translation: "The ruler's intention to distribute/allocate..."

• Line 8:

  • Pinyin: Yīdài dài...

  • Translation: "To continuously bestow mercy and blessings..."

This script is Xiao'erjing (小兒經 / 消經)—the writing system used by Hui Muslims (Sino-Muslims) in China to write the Sino-Tibetan Chinese language using the Arabic alphabet.

Language & Script Identification

• Script: Xiao'erjing (Xiao'erjin / Xiaojing) [Arabic script with additional vocalization/diacritics adapted for Mandarin Chinese phonetics].

• Language: Mandarin Chinese (Northeastern/Central dialect spoken by Hui Muslims).

 

The unique thing about Chinese Quran is the callligraphy which is called Sini script. It is similar to Muhaqqaq. See my Levantine Quran which uses Muhaqaq script.  In addition to that compare with my other entry on India Bihari Quran which has slight resemblances.

 

Click below for comparisons:

Levantine Quran

Indian Bihari Quran

 

This is a very rare acquisition because we dont see many Chinese Quran in the market or in international hands.

Manuscript Specs

Item : Antique Chinese Quran
Manuscript Content : 1st juzu of Quran
Dim : 27.5 cm x 21 cm x 2.5 cm
Date : 18-19th century
Copyist : anonymous
Origin : China
Calligraphy : Sini
Design : Written in Sini scripts in black
Purchased Price :US

Ancient Manuscript Review 93 : Antique Etiopian Quran ( 18-19th Century)

 

 

These are beautifully written Quran manuscripts in juz form originated from Etiopia. Its believed to have been written in 18-19th century. This manuscript is written in Sudanese type calligraphy in black ink on western paper 11 lines to a page. I still need to do more research about this type of calligraphy. It looks in between Sudani & Somali calligraphy but definitely stemmed from Maghribi style. Brown leather binding beautifully embossed in a middle with a flap. The borders of the pages are ruled with double line red .

The first manuscript which contains the opening Surah Al Fatihah has the first 2 pages beautifully decorated.

There are supposed to have 30 manuscripts ( 30 juzs) for the complete Quran. However I only managed to acquire 23 manuscripts out of 30 as the rest were sold to others by the original owner. This is a very rare acquisition because we dont see many Etiopian Quran in the market or in international hands. I am blessed to have acquired these manuscripts.

Manuscript Specs

Item : Antique Etiopia Quran
Manuscript Content : 21 juzu of Quran
Dim : 16 cm x 12.5 cm x 2 cm
Date : 18-19th century
Copyist : anonymous
Origin : Etiopia
Calligraphy : Sudani??
Design : Written in Sudani scripts in black
Purchased Price :US

Book Review 10 : Malaysian Numismatic Heritage - The Money Museum & Art Centre

Book Info :

Title : Malaysian Numismatic Heritage
Author : Contribution from various experts & museums
Publisher : The Money Museum & Art Centre Malaysia
Printer : Atlas Cetak ( M) Sdn Bhd
Pages : 386 pages
ISBN :983-9586-36-X

Review :

This is one of the best books explaining Malaysian numismatic history corroborated with beautiful graphic layout & illustrations. Reading this book could never be boring. For a coin collector, this is a very good reference in learning the history of the coin as well as the history of this country as a whole.
I have seen previous Malaysian Numismatic reference books published by various entities such as Bank Negara Malaysia, Malaysia Numismatic Society & private dealers; the common drawback of these books is that they normally use their own coins as references in their books i.e some references on specific coins exist in some book but might not exist in the others.
However this book is a contribution of numismatic information from various entities, 11 museums, 5 experts & Bank Negara Malaysia, hence making this book almost perfect.
The layout of the pages are very presentable with coins pictures are  arranged in such a way comparison can be made easily.
I recommend this book to beginner and aprofessional collector alike. I purchased this book from Islamic Art Museum Shop for RM220. The best book!!

Ancient Coin Review 58 : Sultan Azam Badr Alam ( Aceh Sultanate 1699-1702 CE)

This is a gold coin from Sultan Badr Alam era. His real name is Jamal AL Leil who is an Arab. He reigned Aceh from 1699 - 1702 CE.
He was not a popular sultan with poor policy & administration. He was abdicted voluntarily in 1702 CE.

Aceh is a state located at the northern end of Sumatra island ( Indonesia). It is also known by its Arabic honorific Darus Salam ( Abode of Peace) from 1511-1959 CE.
Aceh's origins are unquestionably Cham, as the Champa king Syah Pau Kubah sent his son Syah Pau Ling to rule over Aceh when the capital Vijaya in 1471 AD, was sacked by the Vietnamese Le Dynasty.
The Sultanate of Aceh was founded in 1511 CE after the fall of Pasai Sultanate by Sultan Ali Mughayat Shah. It’s presumed that he is the same person as Syah Pau Ling who converted to Islam.
The Sultanate lasted till 1903 when the last Aceh Sultan Muhammad III Daud Shah Johan Berdaulat surrendered to Dutch occupation.

Obv: As Sultan Al Azam Badr Al Alam
Rev: Zain Albidin Berdaulat Shah
Weight : 0.59 gm
Dim : 14mm
Date : 1699 - 1702 CE
Rarity :
Denom : Mas
Material : Gold
Reference : A 21 pg 180 ( Jaarboek Voor Munt-en Penningkunde)

Ancient Manuscript Review 92 : Antique Batak Pustaka / Pustaha Bark Manuscript ( 18th Century)

This is a manuscript of Batak tribe ( Indonesia) made of tree bark. The bast of a tree is pulled off in long strips and then prepared and folded like an accordion.
I couldnt understand the content of this manuscript however from the book "Illuminations The writing Traditions of Indonesia" this manuscrit is called pustaha or pustaka. It contains texts on the tribal rituals, oracles & medicine recipes.
Normally this manuscript comes with 2 wooden covers which are missing. This manuscript if unfolded is about 335 cm. Dimension is 25 cm by 18 cm.
This Pustaka was written in Batak script and in this specific manuscript only ones who are trained culd understand the content. According to Van De Tuuk, this text is composed in the language code referred to as Hata Poda.


Manuscript Specs

Item : Antique Batak Pustaka Manuscript
Content : Batak Pustaka
Dim : 335cm x 25 cm x 18 cm
Date : 18-19th century
Copyist : anonymous
Origin : Sumatra Island ( Indonesia)
Calligraphy : Batak Script
Design : Written in batak scripts in black
Purchased Price :US

Ancient Coin Review 57 : Al Walid Bin Al Malik ( Ummayad Caliphate 705-715 CE)

This is a coin I believed from the reign of Ummayad Caliph Al Walid Ibn Abd Al Malik. The design and legends are obviously from Ummayad and there is a year which I could roughly read as " sanah ithnin wa tsien" which means year 92 AH. Looking at the Ummayad ruler list, Al Walid reigned from 86-96 AH. Hence I could safely attribute this coin to him. However the mint place is mentioned as Kirman, I tried to find from The Maskukat Collection website, couldnt find any coin minted in Kirman during that year from the website. Yes I need to do more research. If you have any info on this coin please send feedbacks. Thanks

Below is an excerpt from Wiki about this Caliph :

Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik (Arabic: الوليد بن عبد الملك‎) or Al-Walid I (668 – 23 February 715) was an Umayyad caliph who ruled from 705 to his death in 715. His reign saw the greatest expansion of the Caliphate, as successful campaigns were undertaken in Transoxiana, Sind, Hispania and against the Byzantines.

He was born to Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan and his wife who was from the central Arabian region Najd. Walid continued the expansion of the Islamic empire that was sparked by his father, and was an effective ruler. His father Abd al-Malik had taken the oath of allegiance for Walid during his lifetime. As such the succession of Walid was not contested. His reign was marked by endless successions of conquests east and west, and historians consider his reign as the apex of Islamic power.

Walid himself continued the effective rule that was characteristic of his father, he developed a welfare system, built hospitals, educational institutions and measures for the appreciation of art.

In 691, Caliph Abd al-Malik ordered that the Dome of the Rock be built on the site where the Prophet Muhammad begun his journey to heaven (Meraj) on the Temple Mount. About a decade afterward, Walid ordered the building of Al-Aqsa Mosque. It was under the rule of Walid and his father Abd al-Malik that Christians and Jews were granted the official title of "Peoples of the Book" to underline the common monotheistic roots they shared with Islam.

Walid himself was an enthusiast of architecture and he repaired and refurbished Masjid al Nabawi in Medina. He also improved mountain passes and wells in Hijaz (al-Tabari v. 23, p. 144). In addition, he renovated the Christian Basilica of St. John the Baptist to build a great mosque, now known as the Great Mosque of Damascus or simply the Umayyad Mosque (Arabic: جامع بني أمية الكبير, transl. Ğām' Banī 'Umayyah al-Kabīr). The mosque holds a shrine which is said to contain the head of John the Baptist, honoured as a prophet by Muslims and Christians alike (John the Baptist is considered a Prophet of Islam and is known as Yahya). The head was supposedly found during the excavations for the building of the mosque. The tomb of Saladin stands in a small garden adjoining the north wall of the mosque.

He was also known for his own personal piety, and many stories tell of his continual reciting of the Qur'an and the large feasts he hosted for those fasting during Ramadan. He was married to Umm Banin bint Abdul Aziz ibn Marwan ibn Hakam.

Walid was succeeded by his brother Sulayman and was buried in Bab al-Saghir cemetery in Damascus. His grave is still present to this date.

Coin Specs

Item : Dirham of Caliph Al Walid bin Abdul Malik
Obv : La Ila Hailallah Wahdahu La Syarakallah
Bismillah Darab Hazal Dirham Bi Kirman Sanah Ithnin wa Tisen
Rev : Allahu Ahad Allahu Samad Lam Yalid Walam Yulad Walam Yakulahu Kufuan Ahad
Muhammad Rasulullah Arsalahu Bil Huda Wadinil Haq Liyazharhu ala Din Kuluhu walaukarihal Mushrikun
Weight : 2.30gm
Diam : 25mm
Denom : Dirham
Metal : AR
Year : 92 AH ( 710 CE)
Mint : Kirman
Rarity : Rare
Purchased Price : USD