Ancient Manuscript Review 166 : Antique Kufic Quran Near East on Vellum - 9th CE

This is a single folio of Quran written in Kufic on vellum. I purchased this vellum from USA. This Kufic style is defined by Prof Deroche as B-II i.e " Early Abbasid Scripts". In reference to " Islamic Codicology", this script is datable to 9th Century CE. Refer to pg 151 of Alain George's book " The Rise of Islamic Calligraphy" for the explanation.

This leaf probably from Near East was trimmed and laid down on a later sheet of paper with gold and colored margin rules. The writing on one side is visible whereas the other side its almost wiped out probably due to the framing.

From Bonhams's website, similar leaves were sold on Auction 21723, Lot 2 for  £3,750 (AED 26,794) . I believe this leaf came from the same Mushaf. See the link :

Bonhams Kufi Leaf

 

Codicology

Title Page : Nil

Content    : Quranic Verses

Date         : 9th CE

Copyist    : Anonymous

Patron      : Nil

Origin      : Near East

Place acquired : USA

Illuminations : Nil

Calligraphy :Kufic ( Early Abbasid )

Number of lines :15 lines per page

Inks          : Main text in black

Punctuation: Diacritical marks in black & re. Gold verse marker.

Frame       :  Nil

History of Manuscript : Bought from USA

Number of folios : 1 f

Support of writing : light brownish vellum

Gatherings : N/A

Catchwords :Nil

Dimensions : leaf 120 x 178 mm.; visible sheet 140 x 200 mm.

Binding   : Nil

Estimated Market Price : £3,750 (AED 26,794)

Purchased Price : USD

Remarks :