Herat - Qur’an - 1590

A highly decorative leaf from a Qur'an dated 1590, scribed in Herat (then Persia) under the Safaivid sultanate. The manuscript comprises the Surah (chapter heading) and first 9 verses from the Medinian chapter 57, Al-Hadid (Iron). which focus on the absolute sovereignty, knowledge, and power of Allah, urging believers to have sincere faith and spend their wealth in His cause. This section acts as an introduction to the Surah, emphasizing the Oneness of God and calling on believers to move from the darkness of disbelief to the light of faith.

The folio is in the ancient Muhaqqaq script. Both sections of the leaf are bookended with unusually decorative marginal devices marking the verses while also providing attractive mirror image illuminations. Verses are delineated with gold 'aya' divided into 6 sections by thin red lines and having a centre red dot. There are one illuminated chapter heading at the top and two other headings in thicker gold muhaqqaq further dividing the scripture. These are scripted in thicker gold muhaqqaq. The whole folio and the headings themselves are framed in thin gold linear marking and then a much thicker gold frame. A single blue frame completed the folio. There is worm holing across the folio, adding to the authenticity of the folio which is 435 years old.

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