Artwork Page for Qur'an Manuscript Folio

Details / Information for Qur'an Manuscript Folio

Qur'an Manuscript Folio

1200s–1300s

Southern Spain

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Medium
ink, gold, and color on parchment
Measurements
Sheet: 52.7 x 55.4 cm (20 3/4 x 21 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1933.440
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This page from the “Chapter of Light” (24:59–61) in the Qur'an is written in the monumental script of Islamic Spain and North Africa, known as Maghribi Kufic. Words flow rhythmically with curving flourishes toward the left margin where letters end in almost perfect semicircles, an elegant hallmark that contrasts with the upright shafts. Distinctive markings—vowels in red and diacritics in blue—identify the vocalization of the text, which would have been read or recited aloud to an assembly.
One side of a cream-colored parchment folio features seven lines of elongated, angular Arabic script in gold ink with thin black outlines. Small red, blue, and green dots punctuate the text. Along the left margin, two circular gold medallions contain intricate interlaced patterns. A triangular cluster of gold dots marks a verse division. The bottom and left edges are irregular and worn, with faint text showing through from the reverse.

Qur'an Manuscript Folio

1200s–1300s

Southern Spain

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