Unknown - Quran - Chinese - 1760

A folio from an 18th Century Chinese Qur'an (circa 1760), which contains the header and opening verses of chapter 33 Surah Al-Ahzab (The Enemy Alliance). It also contains the closing words of the preceding chapter above the header. The verse was revealed at a pivotal moment: the Prophet was being called upon to challenge deeply entrenched pre-Islamic customs, requiring him to act decisively despite pressure from disbelievers and hypocrites.

It is is a striking example of Sini script, a distinctive Chinese style of Arabic calligraphy developed by Muslim communities in China, suggesting brush strokes. It is in Muhhaqaq, characterised by bold left leaning extended upstrokes of the pen, well-spaced ligatures, and shallow and sweeping horizontal sublinear flourishes. It is 'meticulously produced' as the name implies. During the caliphate of al Ma'mun (813-833) it became the preferred style of the Warraqun (professional scribes) to enable relatively easy reproduction.

This is a rare and visually arresting folio made not merely for devotion but also Quranic study. Please note that there are a three wormholes on the folio, only notieable when held to the light. Otherwise this is a very clean manuscript.

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