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Selections of Arabic, Persian, and Ottoman Calligraphy

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Qur'anic verses

AUTHOR/CREATOR
Calligrapher: unknown

CREATED/PUBLISHED
14th-15th centuries

NOTES
Dimensions of Written Surface: Recto: 10.5 (w) x 11.3 (h) cm

Dimensions of Written Surface: Verso: 13 (w) x 19.5 (h) cm

Script: masahif

This fragment includes the 45th verse of the 29th chapter of the Qur'an entitled al-'Ankabut (The Spider). This verse initiates a new and separate section of the surah, in which the Qur'an is discussed as a sign of revelation, a tool in teaching the distinction between right and wrong, and a vehicle in understanding the Hereafter. Verse 45 reads:

Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to you, / And establish regular prayer, / for prayer restrains from shameful] and unjust deeds; / and remembrance of God is the greatest thing without doubt. / And God knows what you do.

The verso of this folio contains verses 46 and 47 which continue verse 45 from the fragment's recto and initiates a new section (juz') in the Qur'an. In particular, verse 47 reads:

That is how We have revealed this Book to you, / And those to whom We have sent down the Book will believe in it. / Only those who disbelieve will deny it.

This particular Qur'anic fragment has placed the verses within a gold illuminated panel, in which the upper register includes a statement on red background that the text belongs to the third section (juz') of the Qur'an. The text in the lower panel is partially lost due to damage. The gold frame and marginal medallions with long finials provide an ornamental break in the Qur'an and thus serve as a visual reference point.

Executed in black masahif script, the text is surrounded by lightly outlined cloud bands. In the interstitial spaces appear vine leaves and palmettes on a background of parallel striations. Such motifs are typical of Mamluk Qur'ans produced in Egypt during the 14th and 15th centuries (see 1-88-154.8b R & V and 1-89-154.168 R & V). Verse markers consist of six-petalled gold rosettes with blue and red dots on the perimeters.

SUBJECT
Arabic calligraphy
Islamic manuscripts
Masahif
Arabic script calligraphy
Illuminated Islamic manuscripts
Islamic calligraphy

CALL NUMBER
1-84-154.16

REPOSITORY
Library of Congress, African and Middle Eastern Division, Washington, D.C. 20540

DIGITAL ID
ascs 060
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.amed/ascs.060

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