IRAN OR CENTRAL ASIA, 11TH OR 12TH CENTURY

This folio is a fine example of the transition of style from the earlier kufic to the more angular and accuentated regional styles called 'Eastern' and 'Western' kufic. The crossed and perfectly symmetrical lam-alif' is a typical feature of this 'Eastern' kufic. The manuscript from which this folio originates is dispersed in private collections and museums around the world. Several folios were sold at Sotheby's, 4 July, 1979, lot 3, 15 October 1998, lot 9, 12 October 2000, lot 37, and 1 May 2019, lot 2. Two other folios are kept in the Harvard Art Museum of Boston, inv. no. 1924.95, and at the Freer Sackler Gallery, inv. no. S1997.95.