Qur'an Leaf in Kufic Script on Vellum, North Africa or Near East, 9th Century

This leaf originates from the same manuscript as those that were displayed in the exhibition Ink and Gold at the Museum für Islamische Kunst in Berlin (see Fraser, M., and W. Kwiatkowski Ink and Gold, Islamic calligraphy, Museum für Islamische Kunst, Berlin, 2006, cat.8, pp.40-41). A luxury manuscript made in North Africa when Qur'an production in the region around Qairawan was at its apogée.

These folios are recognisable from their strong and disciplined hand, as well as the exaggerated mashq that can be seen in each line of this folio; but particularly in the second line of the recto where a single letter has been extended across almost the entire line.  They are also distinguishable by the numbering of the folios at the top centre and in the lower corner, as seen on both these folios, and that on display at the Museum für Islamische Kunst.

Other folios from this Qur'an displaying these features have come to auction, including a leaf bearing the illuminated heading of Surat al-Muzammil, sold in these rooms 28 April 2004, lot 5 and 13 October 2004, lot 1.