Royal tent support (zhigri)

Title

Year/Period

Late 12th century

Region

Central Asia

Object Type

supports (furniture components)

Material

bronze (metal)

Technique

metalworking, engraving (action)

Dimension

Object size: 53.0 x 39.0 cm (dia.),
Object size: 53.0 x 39.0 x 39.0 cm

Accession No.

2020-00447

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

This cylindrical support was used to bridge adjoining wooden poles that propped up royal tents. It was most likely used by the semi-nomadic Qarakhanids (927-1212), the first Muslim Turkic khanate. Their dominions spanned from the Tarim basin to the Oxus River with capitals at places such as Kashgar and Samarqand. The tent support is decorated with three friezes featuring feline figures and repeated inscriptions in Thuluth script. The feline figure refers to the title Arslan (lion) bestowed upon the ruler of the eastern Qarakhanid territories, while the inscription reads: "And perpetual glory" as befits a royal structure.