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A GROUP OF LEAVES FROM A LARGE KUFIC QUR'AN
The Qur'an from which the following nine lots originate is a large format early manuscript copied on sheets of white parchment. It has not been dated, but would appear to be a very early hand dating from around the 9th century. The manuscript has a slightly provincial character; it is not the easiest form of kufic to read and the letters are not always well formed. Nor does the scribe appear to have prepared the parchment by marking the lines, instead copying the manuscript free- hand, resulting in some rather wobbly lines. The medallions are very simply drawn using red, green and small amounts of gold.
Nevertheless, this is a manuscript of great power and simple beauty. The two sura headings (lots 44 and 52) are written in fine gold kufic, possibly by another more refined artist.
Another leaf from the same Qur'an was sold in these rooms, 11 October 1988, lot 40, now in the collecion of Nasser D. Khalili (Deroche, F.: The Abbasid Tradition, London, 1992, no. 69, p.126).
QUR'AN FOLIO
IRAN OR NEAR EAST, CIRCA 9TH CENTURY
Details
QUR'AN FOLIO
Iran or Near East, circa 9th century
Sura al-anbiya XXI, vv.1-4 (part) and last part of preceding sura, manuscript on parchment, 7ll. of dark sepia kufic, the heading in gold kufic, green and red dots marking vocalisation, gold sail-shaped half-palmette marking the verse count, slight staining
Folio 11 x 14¾in. (28 x 37.5cm.)
Iran or Near East, circa 9th century
Sura al-anbiya XXI, vv.1-4 (part) and last part of preceding sura, manuscript on parchment, 7ll. of dark sepia kufic, the heading in gold kufic, green and red dots marking vocalisation, gold sail-shaped half-palmette marking the verse count, slight staining
Folio 11 x 14¾in. (28 x 37.5cm.)