Unknown - Quran - Northern India - 1700

A striking and rare illuminated manuscript folio presenting the momentous close of Surat al-Nisa (Chapter 4 - The Women), verses 172-176 and the opening of Surat al-Ma'ida (Chapter 5, The Spread Table). The concluding verses of al-Nisa deliver some of the Qur'an's most precisely legislated guidance on inheritance - "They ask you for a ruling: God gives you the ruling concerning those who have no lineal heir....the male shall receive the share of two females. God makes His commandments clear to you, lest you go astray". This is a passage of great theological weight. The folio then opens al_Ma'ida with the celebrated call to covenant: "O you who believe, fulfilling your obligations".

The scripture is written in Muhaqqaq, divided by large form bands of scripture written in Thuluth cutting across the page providing dramatic effect. The blocks of scripture are flanked by decorative floral pillars predominantly in gold. Decorative gold aya marking the verses and diacritical (devotional marks) in red guiding the reader and the occasional gold lettering. Each of the passages of scripture is framed with simple black and red lines, while the whole is framed with a more complex series of five (5) frame lines consiting of black, gold, red and finally a dark blue line.

The folio reveals deep Arabic influence: particularly the smaller Naskh panels within the guided arabesque cartouches reflecting then synthesis of Arabic calligraphy with the lush decorative vocabulary of the Indian sub-continent. The marginal khamsa and juz (verse) markers serve as navigational aids rooted in the earliest Arabic manuscript traditions.

The condition is very good for its age with some minor staining to the leaf. The colours remain very fresh and vibrant.

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