Large original leaf from a Koran, scribed and illuminated by hand. Thirteen lines of very fine calligraphy in elegant muhaqqaq script with diacriticals in black, and written on thick, creamy hand-made paper. It is written on both sides of the page. Versal divisions are illuminated gold floral rosettes and decorated with red and green dots. Margins are ruled red.
Page Size: 295 x 224mm, 11.75 x 8.75 inches
Egypt, c. 1375
This fine leaf is from the Mamluk (Mameluke) period, late eighth/early 9th century AH (c. 1375-1450 CE).
It is an original about 600 years old, not a reproduction – in nice condition as seen in the photos. There is some devotional wear, and three old paper repairs on verso.
“The exquisite illuminations, calligraphy, and bindings of Mamluk Korans are unequaled in any other Islamic tradition of bookmaking. The technical and artistic virtuosity found in these manuscripts is representative of the Mamluks, who, embracing Islam with the fervor of converts, endowed elaborate religious complexes and supplied each major foundation with its set of Korans”. (Reference: Art Of The Mamluks, by Dr. Esin Atil, Smithsonian Press, 1991).
Shipped unmatted
