'Zwei verschiedene Aufnahmen der Rīkah, des Thronsessels, auf welchen man in Mekka die jungfräuliche Braut in der Duchlah-nacht zu erheben pflegt (vergl. Mekka, Bd. II, S. 167ff.). Auf B sitzt der Bräutigam dort, wo die Braut sitzen soll.' [2/2] Photographer: al-Sayyid ʻAbd al-Ghaffār

Content

Genre/Subject Matter:

The image shows a richly ornamented interior scene in the bridal chamber. The virgin bride is placed onto the throne (seat) on the first night of marriage, laylat al-duk̲h̲la ; in this image the bridegroom is seated in her place.

The bridal throne ( arīkah ) is located in the central of three recesses, two of which are visible in this image. A wider view of the bridal chamber can be seen in the first of two images – X463/19 – presented together.

The arch-surrounds are decorated with richly embroidered cloth. The arch in which the bridegroom sits is edged with a shiny, spherical balls. A large, tassel-edged, embroidered circular hanging is visible in the right-hand recess.

The bridegroom faces the camera with his hands on his knees. He wears a white turban, mid-coloured robe and a striped shawl tossed over his right shoulder.

A glass chandelier that is visible in the previous image (X463/19) is here out of focus in the upper part of the image. A further hanging light feature, directly above the bridegroom, is also out of focus, while two further chandelier-like features are affixed to the walls either side of the bridegroom. Further light is provided by the glass lanterns hanging directly in the centre of the two recesses visible.

This is the second of two related images.

Inscriptions:

Above the top image, on the right, in ink: ‘XVIIIa’

Extent and format

1 Collotype print

It is part of

'Bilder aus Mekka' by Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje

62 images

Ref: X463

Physical characteristics

Dimensions:

156 x 110 mm

Format:

Collotype print, pasted into volume

Condition:

The print is in good condition with minor surface dirt and light abrasions throughout.

Foliation:

‘XVIIIb’

Process:

Collotype

Written in

Arabic in Arabic script

Type

Photograph

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: Visual Arts

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

X463/20

History of this record

Date(s)

1886-1889 (CE, Gregorian)

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'Zwei verschiedene Aufnahmen der Rīkah, des Thronsessels, auf welchen man in Mekka die jungfräuliche Braut in der Duchlah-nacht zu erheben pflegt (vergl. Mekka, Bd. II, S. 167ff.). Auf B sitzt der Bräutigam dort, wo die Braut sitzen soll.' [2/2] Photographer: al-Sayyid ʻAbd al-Ghaffār, British Library: Visual Arts, X463/20, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100023514790.0x000003> [accessed 9 November 2024]

Link to this record

https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100023514790.0x000003

IIIF details

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