Unknown - Illuminated Qur'an Frontispiece, C16th - 1575

A large form illuminated opening frontispiece from a dispersed 16th Century Safavid Qur'an, containing the first chapter of the Qur'an, Surah al-Fatiha (The Opening). This is recited in every cycle of the five daily prayers. it is written in fine naskh script reserved on a lapis-blue lobed cartouche, set within a gold ground field of dense polychrome floral scrollwork and cusped indigo palette medallions, bordered by a black and gold interlace band. A handsome example of Safavid court illumination, its rich gold and lapis palette and refined penmanship attesting to a prestigious commission. It is water stained to the upper left which has removed the decorative artwork, but that aside the remainder is a striking survival offering genuine connoisseurial interest.

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