I love museums. I love museums that are interactive even more. And if a museum allows me to photograph their exhibits, particularly their more unusual ones, then they become my best friends. The Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum in London, is one such museum, with a lot of beautiful and rare exhibits, including many from India.
But what caught my eye on my visit there, was an exhibit I had never seen before, and for that matter never even heard of before—a minbar.
A minbar is a prayer pulpit used for the midday service on Fridays. This magnificent minbar is made of panels of cedar wood with delicate inlay of ivory and wood, enhancing its intricate geometrical patterns. The minbar also has traces paint and gliding work. According to the information plaque, the minbar was made for Sultan Qa’itbay, who ruled Egypt from 1468-1496.
The holy month of Ramadan is underway, a month of fasting, prayer and piety. I could think of no better way to wish everyone Ramadan Kareem than by sharing this museum treasure with you.
The Museum Treasure Series is all about artifacts found in museums with an interesting history and story attached to them. You can read more from this series here.
My Favourite Things 
Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece of MINBAR.
LOVED IT
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You’re welcome, Arnavaz. So, is this one more on your list of things to see when you visit London? 😉
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this is beautiful!
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Yes it is. It is even more stunning up close and the carving has to be seen to be believed. I really regret not taking better shots of the minbar.
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This is beautiful!! Never heard of anything like this!!
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When I first saw the exhibit tag, I read it as “minibar” instead of “minbar” and my first reaction was that there was nothing mini about this bar, and also that it was the most impractical one too. It is only when I read the plaque that I realised my mistake.
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I thought there was spelling mistake, mini bar was misspelt, but realised that you are referring to a prayer cubicle i presume
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I thought there was a spelling mistake too 🙂 till I read the plaque on the minbar or the prayer pulpit.
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Thanks for sharing
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You’re welcome. 🙂
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I have seen many prayer pulpits but never before I have seen something so intricately carved, especially with its own private door.
Beautiful!
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This is the first prayer pulpit that I have seen. In fact, I did not even know that something like this existed.
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I had recently seen another post about V&A museum that reminded me that on my next visit to London, I should go and see it. Your post with the lovely images reinforces that idea! Thanks.
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Oh you must, you must. You must also try to, time permitting, visit the Royal Academy of Art and the Courtald Gallery.
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V&A 😀 I am planning a visit too 🙂
http://24x7clicks.blogspot.com
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Do say hello to the V&A from me when you go there. 😀
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that is beautiful
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Yes, it is. And even more beautiful than what you see in the picture. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Sub.
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A very interesting piece of information Sudhagee. The pictures are beautiful. The carving on the minbar is exquisite.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the post and thank you for your comments.
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wawo…gud one
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Thanks, Chitra 🙂
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Very nice pics Sudhagee! 🙂 Didn’t know about this before!
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Now that you know Lavender, do plan that trip to London and the V&A 🙂
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nice work!
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Thank you so much 🙂
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quite unusual indeed
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Yes it is, Sujatha, and very beautiful too. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
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This is really exquisite Sudha. I love the ancient feel and the modern design – they seem to blend in beautifully. Lovely post! 😀
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I loved the minbar too, Deboshree. In a room full of exquisite artefacts (including some stunning jewellery from India), the dull wooden minbar held its own. It is really a sight to see.
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