Unknown - Quran - India (Bihar) - 1425

A beautifully preserved and rare illuminated manuscript folio from a Qur'an originating in the state of Bihar, India, circa 1425. The main folio contains verses from chapter 22, Surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage), v3-5 together with a stunning marginal. The reverse contains the end of chapter 21, Surah al-Anbiya (The Prophets), v.112 the closing supplication, followed by the illuminated gold surah for chapter 22, the Basmalah and the opening verses 1-2. So taken together this is a really interesting two-sided folio.

Key themes for the folio are: the terror and reality of the Day of Judgement/Resurrection (earthquake, losing composure (chaos)), warnings against arguing with God without knowledge and the dangers of following satanic misguidance.

Decoratively this is a stunning folio. A fine gold and polychrome illuminated Surah heading panel (reverse side) marks the opening of Surah Al-Hajj. Verse divisions are picked out in gold roundels with blue pendant dots, and a large gold verse medallion with red/blue accents appears in the margin. There is elaborate illuminated marginal ornament on the front folio, almond shaped in gold and lapis blue with radiating fleurons and red and gold pendant finials.

This prosperous state, lying south of Nepal close bordering the Ganges river, became Muslim in the 12th century originally under the Bengal Governors. The Muslim calligraphers developed a distinctive style of script called Bihari (after the State), characterised by wide, heavy and extended horizontal lines, and thin verticals.

Because Bihar is a warm and humid province, manuscripts from there, do not generally keep well. This one, however, is in usually good condition despite the damp staining upper right of the folio, with the scripture untouched by damp and the juz, Surah and gold 'aya' (roundels) all being in a good state.

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The manuscript will be sent with the supporting mount to ensure safe travel.