Dome of the Rock Copper Model

Was wondering if anyone has ever soon anything like this? It's a small model of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem made of small copper strips that appear to have been hand hammered into place. I came across it at a yard sale in Virginia. The model is approx 6 inches tall by six inches wide. Was wondering the possible age of the piece and where it might have been made. Could find nothing like it online. Thanks!

 

Interesting piece. Certainly looks like a one-off. I am having trouble understanding the possible purpose of the two elements shown at the sides - bent legs? broken handles? is there a third on the other side?

If you show us straight on views of all of the sides with writing, one of our Arabic translators might be able to tell what it says.

It looks like there are remnants of paper with writing on the inside. Are these in English?

 

purpose of the two elements
entrance tent covers ........

looks like Middle East tourist item from the 70's..

 

That's what I was thinking. Some sort of tourist souvenir. Israel used to have copper mines in the time of King Solomon. Possibly still does.

 

Thanks TMB, the writing appears to be Arab (please see pics) and I think the elements with the bent legs are entrances to the shrine. Thanks Again!

 

Thanks for your insights!

 

Thanks for your insights!

 

Late to the game, but the Arabic that's etched into the copper is the first verse from Surah al-Isra (17:1):

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

Exalted is He who took His servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.

It's referring to the Night Journey which in Islamic tradition is when Muhammad traveled in a night from Makkah to Jerusalem. Appropriate for that piece. I don't know how much of the verse is on there, I'd need to see the other sides.

The paper inside looks like scraps someone used.. not necessarily a newspaper, maybe announcements? I see a few names of people, what looks like a death notice for someone, etc. ("so-and-so has died, there will be visitation/condolences at so-and-so's house), like that.

 

That makes perfect sense associated with a mini Dome of the Rock mosque.

 

Wow! That's very interesting, Kate! It is a very unique piece for sure. Thanks for providing your insights!

 

Thank you... Agreed!

 

Any idea as to the age of the piece? Does the paper scraps have any dates associated? Thanks!!!

 

Unfortunately there's not enough text in the paper scraps to be able to tell, sorry.