The official’s mark

In this image, the red stamp below the heading translates to “A-bu-du-la” (Abdullah)we do wonder why the 卜 is followed by the 木. This stamp is a “makers” mark, endorsing their work illustrating hajj perhaps making clear that the very making itself is an act of devotion. Importantly the use of red ink comes from a Chinese method of entitling work in an efficient bureaucratic manner. The stamp reminds the reader of the culturally mixed trans-Asian community this scroll comes from. The style and shape of the stamp are reminiscent of Chinese collector’s stamps, often found on paintings.

The words of prayer are important here, rather than a name, title or command more often found on stamps such as these. This scroll represents a particular instance of religious imagery and techniques common to a secular space such as imperial and administrative stamps of the Qing court.

The Chinese heading on the left tells us this image shows a convoy of pilgrims on their way to complete Hajj. It delineates the traditional start of Hajj in a caravan. This text is written in a rudimentary and simple style, suggesting the scroll was not written by a trained Chinese hand. These stamps are integral to wider illustrations similar to the following of the Ka’ba and the surroundings of Mecca.