Qur'an Manuscript

Unknown

probably 14th century · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

Qur'ans were copied in large number also for indivduals who would keep a copy at all times, while working, traveling or performing other activities. This miniature manuscript, the calligraphy of which is so small that its reading is arduous, was probably meant to be kept in a leather pouch and worn as a talisman rather than used for recitation. Although of difficult attribution, the multi-colored petaled border that frames its opening pages suggests a fourteenth century Iranian provenance.

Artist

Unknown

Date

probably 14th century

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889