An illuminated Qur'an juz (XIII), copied by Hajji Maqsud al-Sharif al-Tabrizi, Persia, Safavid, dated 971 AH/1563-64 AD
Auction Closed
October 26, 12:30 PM GMT
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Arabic manuscript on paper, 14 leaves, 11 lines to the page, the text written in black naskh divided into two sections alternating with 3 lines of muhaqqaq, ruled in gold, blue and black, verses separated by gold and polychrome roundels, surah headings in red within gold and polychrome illuminated panels, marginal illuminated roundels marking fifth verses, f.1b with gold and polychrome illuminated headpiece surmounting text, f.14b with colophon in gold thuluth, in stamped leather binding, with flap
24.3 by 18.5cm.
The scribe of this juz’ is surely identifiable as the Maqsud al-Tabrizi who signed a magnificent Qur’an sold in these rooms, 26 April 1991, lot 251 which displayed the same layout of fine, alternating script as this juz’.
A further Qur’an signed by Maqsud ‘Ali al-Sharif al-Tabrizi displaying his virtuosity in the thuluth and tawqi’ scripts is in the Chester Beatty Library (inv. no.Ms. 1540, see James 1980, p.83). Minorsky notes that the scribe was responsible for many inscriptions on the buildings of Tabriz erected by his uncle Mir Maftulband Tabrizi (Minorsky 1959, p.79). Our scribe probably shares the identity of the eponymous outstanding calligrapher mentioned in the Menakib-i Hünerveran. He is celebrated for his skills in riqa‘, and recorded as one of the pupils of Sultan ‘Ali Mashhadi (Esra Akin 2011, pp.199, 225).
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