Quran stand (raḥl); Egypt or Syria, 18th–19th centuries.

Quran stand (raḥl); Egypt or Syria, 18th–19th centuries.
Carved and polychrome wood.
Measurements: 27 x 45 x 17 cm.
This raḥl features surfaces richly decorated with carving, incising, and polychromy. The ornamentation combines geometric motifs, symmetrical compositions, and openwork elements, following a decorative style characteristic of Islamic arts from the Ottoman and Eastern Arab regions.
Its opening mechanism is particularly noteworthy: the two hinged panels cross over each other to form a stable structure that allows the book to be placed at a suitable height for reading. When closed, the lectern takes up little space and can be easily transported. This solution, in addition to being practical, explains the widespread use of this type of furniture in both religious and domestic settings. In the Islamic tradition, the Quran is treated with special reverence, and placing it on a raised lectern during reading serves both practical purposes and reflects the sacred nature of the text.