Unknown - Qur'an - Mughal India - Surat As-Saffat - 1750

A superb example of an illuminated chapter headpiece with beginning verses of the chapter, Mughal, India C1750.

This finely illuminated sarlawh (chapter heading) marks the opening. of Surat As-Saffat (chapter 37, Those Angels Lined up in Ranks), a Meccan surah of 182 verses. The rubricated header panels names the chapter and confirms its Meccan revelation. Below, in bold black naskh on a burnished gold ground, the test opens with the triple oath: "By those [angels] ranged in ranks, and those who drive [the clouds] forcefully, and those who recite [divine] remembrance": - affirming God's oneness, His dominion over the heavens and earth, and the points of sunrise, and the adornment of the lowest heaven with stars as both beauty; and how the spiritual heavens are guarded bu Angels against rebellious devils cast out from eavesdropping on the celestial assembly.

The illumination is exceptional, with a glorious Mughal header, densely worked polychrome floral sprays, verse markings in gold roundels, the scripture enfolded by gold ground clouds, and a wonderful golden floral border.

This is an exceptional piece.

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