unknown - Coran Manuscript - 1800

Complete Illuminated Qur’an Folio (Recto/Verso) - Maghribi Script - XIX Century earlier (Surah Aal-Imran)
Description:
An exceptional, complete single folio (recto and verso) from a large-format manuscript of the Holy Qur'an, handwritten in North Africa or Andalusian Spain during the late medieval/early modern period (estimated XIX century : 1800 - 1850)
The text is elegantly executed in the traditional and highly sought-after Maghribi Mabsut script (المغربي المبسوط), characterized by its bold, extended horizontal strokes and deep, rounded lower curves. The ink configuration is remarkably well-preserved, featuring deep black carbon ink for the main consonants, and the classical medieval Andalusian/North African vocalization system written in vibrant red ink (Tashkeel).
Textual Content & Continuity:
This folio features uninterrupted textual continuity from the recto to the verso side, preserving a significant portion of Surah Aal-Imran (سورة آل عمران):
• Side A (Recto): Starts from the end of verse 83, spanning through the foundational Verse 84 ("قُلْ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنْزِلَ عَلَيْنَا..."), and concludes at the beginning of verse 93.
• Side B (Verso): Continues the textual sequence from verse 94 up to verse 103, featuring the iconic theological passage on unity and brotherhood ("وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا...").
Decorative and Illumination Elements:
• Marginal Hizb Medallion (Side A): Displays an exquisite, highly detailed circular illumination on the margin containing the word "حزب" (Hizb), used to mark liturgical reading sections. The medallion features traditional black outline work with geometric and stylized lotus extensions filled with gold leaf.
• Golden Verse Markers (Side B): The text on the reverse side is punctuated with beautifully crafted 8-pointed golden stars highlighted with red dots, serving as stylized verse separators (Ayah markers).
Condition:
The folio is in good historical condition given its age, showing natural signs of time. There is characteristic oxidation, light foxing, and minor water-staining consistent with centuries of storage, primarily along the upper and outer margins. The hand-laid paper remains sturdy, and the text remains perfectly legible with sharp, rich pigments on both sides. No modern restorations detected.

The supplier warrants that they obtained this object in a legal manner. Private collection.