A single illuminated loose manuscript folio page from a 16th Century Safaivid Persian Koran. The scripture contains verses 83-89 of chapter 5, Al-Maidah (The Spread Table). which focus on recognizing the truth, the proper conduct of believers regarding lawful things, and the rules regarding oaths. These verses highlight the emotional response of righteous people to the truth, the prohibition of extreme asceticism, and the expiation for breaking solemn oaths. Key themes are the sincere recognition of the truth and acceptance of Islam; ensuring balance in life—not forbidding what is allowed, but avoiding excessive indulgence and in taking responsibility regarding vows and the mechanism for atonement. The page has 11 lines of scripture in a fine black nashk, together with a single illuminated marginals in fantastic condition, marking the 85th verses of the chapter. The verses are indicated with vibrant gold aya roundels dotted with blue on the circumference and the occasional diacritical marking in red. The scripture has a solid gold surround frame with a blue liner outside this. Please note that shipping costs are not solely the cost of the postal delivery service itself. Included within the shipping price is the work undertaken to prepare the article, for photography, for uploading to Catawiki, for preparation and packaging the article securely and for transporting the article to the postal delivery agent for processing. 

Also, please consider when bidding on this lot that this artwork is shipped from the UK. Import duties will now have to be paid by the recipient to the Postal Service when the parcel arrives in your country. This will likely vary between 5% and 20% of the sale price depending on your country's Import Rate, so please check this if you are concerned. This is a Tax collected on behalf of your Government and is not an additional fee charged by us.