Miniature Qur'an with Lacquered Binding and Carrying Case

19th century

Not on view

Due to their size, Qur'ans such as this likely served as portable talismans that could be carried around easily, for example around the owner's neck, in a pocket or on armbands (bazuband). The inscriptions on the lacquer case bear passages from the Holy Book. An unusual feature of this manuscript is that the support for the first two pages is parchment while the support for the rest is paper. It also contains the entire text of the Qur'an. Despite its tiny size, the text is highly legible which adds significantly to its protective powers.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Miniature Qur'an with Lacquered Binding and Carrying Case
Date: 19th century
Geography: Made in Iran
Medium: Ink, gold, silver, and opaque watercolor on parchment and paper
Dimensions: Qur'an:
H. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm)
W. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
Carrying Case:
H. 3 3/16 in. (8.1 cm)
W. 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm)
Depth: 13/16 in. (2 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2019
Object Number: 2019.200a, b
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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