Papyrus Fragment

8th–10th century

Not on view

The seven lines remaining from this fragmentary papyrus are part of a letter. Continuing a longstanding tradition, papyrus was used in Egypt as a substitute for expensive vellum before paper became widespread around the 10th–11th century. Papyrus was used for documents, letters, and commercial transactions in a type of script that is comparable to the modern cursive style. Letters usually started with thanking God and his prophet Muhammed, sending greetings to the addressee and his family members, then moving to the author’s main purpose.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Papyrus Fragment
Date: 8th–10th century
Geography: Made in Egypt
Medium: Ink on papyrus
Dimensions: H. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm)
W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Museum Accession
Object Number: x.435
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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