Folio from a Qur'an Manuscript

Unknown

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

A unique cursive script was used for Indian Qur'ans between the late fourteenth and mid-sixteenth centuries. Called bihari (from the region of Bihar), although it is not known exactly where it was developed, the script’s main traits are wide, extended horizontal lines and thin delicate verticals. Qur'ans of this style also often feature several different colors for the text (such as red for the word Allah and gold for the start of a new section), and include zigzagging Persian commentary in the margins.

Artist

Unknown

Date

probably 15th century

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Margaret Mushekian Gift, 1977