Unknown - Qur'an, Kasmir/N.India, early C19th - 1825

A Qur'an, most likely of Kashmiri origin, C.1825. Surah 1-7 incomplete with loose pages, but sound from Chapter 8 onwards, including some impressive illuminated end-pages. Contains a Persian preface in free-hand invoking a deceased Shaykh al-Islam, points to an Indo-Persian origin. Arabic script on burnished paper, in black naskh with full vocalisation, within gold and red ruled borders, green tinted text bands and gilt verse roundels.

The closing double-page spread, for Surah Al-Falaq and An-Nas, is richly illuminated with gold ground arabesques of polychrome blossoms against deep blue panels. Gilt marginal medallions mark test divisions and diacritical marks in red guide the reader. A later owner's devotional inscription appears on the flyleaf. Red leather boards with gilt and blue mandorla medallions, one of which is loose prefacing the early Surahs.

This is a really interesting historical manuscript with much to commend it, despite its incompleteness and binding.

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