A Qur'an leaf in kufic script on vellum, North Africa or Near East, 9th century

Text: surat 'abasa (LXXX), end of verse 8 - part of verse 21
Arabic manuscript on vellum, 7 lines to the page in bold kufic script in brown ink, vocalistation marked by red dots, single verses marked by triangular clusters made up of 6 gold dots, fifth verse marked by a pear-shaped stylised gold 'ha', recto with tenth verse marker comprised of an elaborate knotted rosette in gold with green and red dots

In good overall condition, clean and fresh outer margins, recto with some losses to ink, small creases, as viewed.
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Qur'an, surah 'Abasa (LXXX), end of 8-mid 21.

This leaf originates from the same manuscript as those exhibited at the Museum für Islamische Kunst in Berlin during the Ink and Gold Exhibition (see Fraser and Kwiatkowski 2006, pp.40-41, cat.8). A luxury manuscript made in North Africa when Qu'ran production was at its apogée.

These folios are recognisable from their strong and disciplined hand, as well as the exaggerated mashq that can be seen here. They are also distinguishable by the numbering of the folios at the top and bottom centre, and in the lower corner, as seen on this page, and in those displayed at the Museum für Islamische Kunst. Other sections from this Qu'ran are in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin (James 1980), The Iran Bastan Museum, Tehran (Ms. 4289 Lings 1976, no.5), and the Pars Museum, Shiraz.

Other folios from this Qu'ran displaying these features have come to auction, including a leaf bearing the illuminated heading of Surat al-Haaqa, sold in these rooms 9 April 2008, lot 15 and a leaf of the Surat Nuh sold in these rooms 24 October 2007, lot 4.