I acquired this illuminated Quran from Istanbul in 2014. When I first looked at this manuscript, I thought it was a Chinese manuscript due to strong and bold certain characters especially ر & ى
with elongated tails. The bright handpainted floral motive also a typical Chinese manuscript characteristic.
However the more I looked at it, I realized it is not Chinese's. The are not elongated like a sword like a typical Sini khat. The way it was binded with the use of cloth to attach the bind is typical of African. A lot of African Quran using floral motive in their Quran illumination.
I am comparing this Quran with my Quran from Somalia & Etiopia. The Somalia Quran tends to highlight the word Allah in red whereas this Quran khat more resemblance to the Quran from Etiopia.
I believe this Quran originated from East Africa and it could be Etiopia. This manuscript also has a very strong odor of leather similar to my other African manuscripts. If you have a similar Quran like mine and know the origin please feel free to let me know.
Manuscript Specs
Item : Antique Africa Quran segment
Manuscript Content : Quran
Dim : 23 cm x 17 cm x 2 cm
Date : 18-19th century
Copyist :
Dim : 23 cm x 17 cm x 2 cm
Date : 18-19th century
Copyist :
Origin : Possible Africa
Calligraphy : Sudani??
Design : Written in Sudani scripts in black
Purchased Price :US
Design : Written in Sudani scripts in black
Purchased Price :US
