Ancient Manuscript Review 94 : Antique Chinese Quran Ming/Qing Dynasty ( 18th Century)

 

 

 

This is my first aquisition of Chinese Quran. Supposedly this Quran consists of 30 separate volumes ( for 30 juz), unfortunately at the time of purchase, only this volume was available. According to the seller, he purchased this sole manuscript from a Jewish in London quite some time ago.

 

I reckon I was lucky because this manuscript is the first juz of the Quran. The opening Surah Al Fatihah has the first 2 pages beautifully decorated. I could spot some resemblances of the frame design to the Chinese Quran illustrated in books, "Quran Manuscripts"  pg 82 by Colin F. Baker & " AL Quran The Sacred Art of Revelation"  pg 244 by IAMM.

 

The last 2 pages are also beautifully decorated with chinese flower motives.

On the last page there is a scribble on prayer and some other notes which I couldn't decipher.

 

The unique thing about Chinese Quran is the callligraphy which is called Sini script. It is similar to Muhaqqaq. See my Levantine Quran which uses Muhaqaq script.  In addition to that compare with my other entry on India Bihari Quran which has slight resemblances.

 

Click below for comparisons:

Levantine Quran

Indian Bihari Quran

 

This is a very rare acquisition because we dont see many Chinese Quran in the market or in international hands.

Manuscript Specs

Item : Antique Chinese Quran
Manuscript Content : 1st juzu of Quran
Dim : 27.5 cm x 21 cm x 2.5 cm
Date : 18-19th century
Copyist : anonymous
Origin : China
Calligraphy : Sini
Design : Written in Sini scripts in black
Purchased Price :US