• Additional view of object
Jan 31, 2014

Leaf from a Qur'an (recto)

Leaf from a Qur'an (recto)

1300s

Part of a set. See all set records

Egypt, Cairo, Mamluk period

(1250–1517)

Ink, gold, color on pink paper

Sheet: 45 x 33 cm (17 11/16 x 13 in.)

Gift of Donna L. and Robert H. Jackson 2013.102.a

Location

not on view

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Description

It is through the Arabic language that the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the 600s. As a result, calligraphy is celebrated as the highest form in Islamic art. This page shows 13 lines from the Qur’an in muhaqqa script, one of the six main script types of Arabic calligraphy. The Qur’an’s importance explains the significance of calligraphy; however, the latter was not restricted to just religious texts. Many objects in the Islamic art gallery bear calligraphic inscriptions and come from secular contexts, displaying the versatility and creativity of this art form.

See also
Collection: 
Islamic Art
Department: 
Islamic Art
Type of artwork: 
Manuscript
Medium: 
Ink, gold, color on pink paper
Credit line: 
Gift of Donna L. and Robert H. Jackson

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