Bifolium from a Qur'an Manuscript

Unknown

15th century · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

The favorite cursive calligraphies for the copying of high quality Qur'an manuscripts both in Egypt and Syria under the Mamluks were called thuluth, muhaqqaq, and rayhan. The latter two, a combination of which is provided by this example, are recognizable for their sharp edges and for the pointed letter ends that run flat just below the line. Seen here is the verso of the second of two conjugate leaves. Its text includes parts of verses 77 to 79 from Sura IX ("of the Immunity").

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th century

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Kirkor Minassian, 1919