Unknown - Quran - Chinese - 1760

A folio from an 18th Century Chinese Qur'an (circa 1760), which contains scripture from the Medinian chapter 5, Surat al-Ma'idah (The Spread Table), v.8-10, which establish core Islamic principles regarding absolute justice, impartiality, and the promise of divine justice for belief versus disbelief. These verses emphasise that justice in Islam is universal and objective. A believer must act equitably even toward their enemies or those who mistreat them and draw a strict spiritual dichotomy between those who submit to God and act righteously, and those who reject the truth.

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. The illuminated panel upper left is a decorative and symbolic feature, functioning as a marginal embellishment marking the sacred character of the text. Its geometry and vegetal motifs reflect the synthesis of Islamic manuscript illumination with the artistic conventions found in Chinese Muslim book culture. They also serve as visual anchors for the reader.

This is a rare and visually arresting folio made not merely for devotion but also Quranic study. Please note that there is some repair that has been made to the rear of the folio with archival paper to cover wormholes made in the left margin. These do not detract from the elegance of this piece.

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