[Unknown] - Koran - 1920-1930

Collectible miniature Quran – attributed to Hans Steinbrener – early 20th century – 37 × 25 mm

Description
A particularly small and finely produced miniature Quran from the early 20th century, attributed to the well-known publisher Hans Steinbrener of Vimperk (Winterberg), then Bohemia/Czechoslovakia.

The booklet measures only about 37 × 25 mm and contains the Arabic Qur’anic text in extremely fine miniature print. The interior features richly decorated pages, borders, and ornamental chapter headings.

Especially appealing is the original dark spine with gold-colored, relief-decorated floral and arabesque ornamentation. The back/edge is also elaborately decorated. The binding is fitted with the characteristic leather clasp.

Format, construction, closure, binding decoration and interior execution show strong similarities with documented miniature Qur’ans issued by Hans Steinbrener in Vimperk/Winterberg. Comparable Steinbrener copies from the early decades of the 20th century are known in the same size.

On one of the inner pages there is also an old pencil note “362/1,” presumably an earlier inventory, collection or trade designation. This has been left deliberately untouched.

The item is in an authentic, used condition, with age- and wear-related traces appropriate to its age. The wear on the binding and gilding contributes to the historical character.

See the photos for an accurate impression of condition and execution.

A special and very small, highly desirable collectible at the crossroads of book history, miniature books and Islamic culture, attractive to collectors of old Qur’ans and notable religious works.

Dating: ca. 1910–1930, early 20th century
Authorship: Hans Steinbrener, Vimperk/Winterberg
Language: Arabic
Format: ca. 37 × 25 mm

Edition: printed miniature Quran, decorated binding with closure