Folio from a Qur'an Manuscript

Art Historical Context

This striking folio comes from a Qur'an manuscript created in the late 13th or early 14th century, a period when Islamic book arts flourished across the Middle East and Central Asia. Written on parchment—a material prized for its durability—the page measures over 21 inches tall, suggesting it belonged to a large, prestigious volume likely commissioned for a mosque or royal library. The use of ink, opaque watercolor, and gold highlights the sacred text while transforming the manuscript into a work of art. Calligraphy stands at the heart of this piece, reflecting the deep reverence Islamic cult...