View full screen - View 1 of Lot 18. An illuminated miniature Quran, copied by Husayn ibn Husayn ibn Hasan al-Hasani al-Husayni, Turkey, Ottoman, 16th Century.

An illuminated miniature Quran, copied by Husayn ibn Husayn ibn Hasan al-Hasani al-Husayni, Turkey, Ottoman, 16th Century

Auction Closed

October 26, 12:30 PM GMT

Estimate

12,000 - 15,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Arabic manuscript on paper, 338 leaves, 17 lines to the page written in minute ghubari script in black ink, ruled in black and gold, verses separated by gold dots, surah headings in gold-ground panels, 2 opening pages illuminated with intertwining gold split-palmettes and polychrome flowers, the following bifolio similarly illuminated framing text in gold panels, final 4 pages with foliate scrolling flowers surrounding the text panels, red morocco gilt-stamped binding with filigree-cut leather doublures


3.8 by 3.9cm.

This is a fine and rare example of miniature Qur'an production in the early Ottoman period. Often used as amulets to carry on one's person, especially during times of conflict, miniature Qur’ans were usually kept in small, fitted boxes which could be attached to battle standards. A similar Qur’an from the same period is in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art (inv. no.QUR425, Rogers 1995, p.55, no.19).