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Bifolium from the "Nurse's Qur'an" (Mushaf al-Hadina)

ca. 410 AH/1019–20 CE
Not on view
This double-page from a Qur'an comes down to us with the fascinating information that the nursemaid to one of the Zirid rulers of North Africa commissioned it for donation to the Great Mosque of Qairawan. It is written in a form of the 'new style kufic' script that was unique to North Africa, and it was copied on parchment, which remained in use in this region long after paper was commonly used for Qur'ans from Egypt, Iraq or Iran.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bifolium from the "Nurse's Qur'an" (Mushaf al-Hadina)
  • Date: ca. 410 AH/1019–20 CE
  • Geography: Made in Tunisia, probably Qairawan
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on parchment
  • Dimensions: H. 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm)
    W. 23 5/8 in. (60 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Purchase, James and Diane Burke Gift, in honor of Dr. Marilyn Jenkins-Madina, 2007
  • Object Number: 2007.191
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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