Near East, Persia, Iran, Safavid Empire, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. This is a gorgeous and massive illuminated calligraphic paper panel of the Qur'an’s 14th surah of Ibrahim verse 40-41, in golden, red, and blue ink with thick black Kufic script. The illustrative elements include shamsah (medallions), rondels, and arabesque shapes surrounded by gold-filled borders and foliate flourishes adorning the corners, framing the light brown ground and text from the rest of the paper margins. In the upper corner is a four-headed bird -likely a stylistic choice to depict separate birds in profile to represent the 4 birds Ibrahim killed to prove Allah's powers of resurrection. The red punctuation marks aid in the pronunciation and recitation of the text; thus, increasing its visual and auditory aesthetic. Reciting the Qur'an is a highly regarded art in the Islamic faith and is called "tajwid," an Arabic term that literally translates to "beautification." Size: 35" L x 24" W (88.9 cm x 61 cm)
This passage of the Qur'an is from the 14th surah or chapter of Ibrahim (Abraham) verse 40 to 41: "O My Lord! Make me one who establishes regular prayer, and also among my offspring. O Our Lord! And accept my prayer. O Our Lord! Forgive me, my parents, and all believers on the day that the reckoning will be established." In summation Ibrahim prays for himself and children to protect themselves from idolatry.
Characterized by its angularity, Kufic script became the standard script for Qur'anic production between the 8th and 10th centuries. The letters that are extended horizontally are part of a practice known as "mashq," which is used to create an aesthetic rhythm and harmony throughout the text. While this technique does affect the legibility of the text in some instances, they were typically used as guides by reciters who had memorized the Qur'an.
Provenance: private Washington, USA, collection, acquired before 2000
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#163017
Condition
Tearing to peripheries and losses to corners. Staining and discoloration to paper commensurate with age. Some fading and losses to pigments but text and illuminated motifs are discernable. Panel has been stored rolled and does not remain flat unaided. We recommend storing and displaying in a case or frame to protect, view, and appreciate the piece fully.