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On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Leaves from a Koran

Manuscript
15th century (made)
Place of origin
Egypt (made)
Cairo (made)

19 leaves
Decoration: Chapter headings in gold and other colours.
In Arabic.
Layout: Written in 11 lines.
The binding of the manuscript which enclosed this Koran has survived and corresponds to 1070A-1869 (upper cover) and 1070C-1869 (lower cover), also in the National Art Library collection at the V&A.

Object details

Categories
National Art Library
Manuscripts
Religion
Object type
Manuscript
TitleLeaves from a Koran
Materials and techniques
Paper
Ink
Gold
Pigments
Writing
Illumination
Calligraphy
Brief description
Manuscript, leaves from a Koran, Egypt (probably Cairo), 15th century.
Physical description
19 leaves
Decoration: Chapter headings in gold and other colours.
In Arabic.
Layout: Written in 11 lines.
The binding of the manuscript which enclosed this Koran has survived and corresponds to 1070A-1869 (upper cover) and 1070C-1869 (lower cover), also in the National Art Library collection at the V&A.
Dimensions
  • Height: 96cm
  • Width: 67cm
Production typeUnique
Gallery label
Qur'an Leaves
Egypt, probably Cairo
1400-1500

Mamluk patrons began to commision enormous Wur'an manuscripts in the 14th century, following an Iranian precedent. These leaves are from the second-largest known. They are from the end of the manuscript, where the surahs, or chapters, are relatively short. As a result, there are one or more illuminated headings on every page.

Ink, colours and gold on paper
Object history
Acquired in 1869.
Associated objects
Other numbers
  • PC 1/12 - NAL Pressmark
  • 38041800393233 - NAL barcode
  • 7217(1-18) - Previous National Art Library accession number
  • 7217-1869 - Previous National Art Library accession number
Collection
National Art Library
Library number
MSL/1869/7217

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Record createdJuly 13, 2023
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1758819/leaves-from-a-koran-manuscript/
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