Folio from a Qur'an Manuscript
Sura 8 (al-'Anfal): end of 74 through 75; Sura 9(al-Tawba): 1 to the beginning of 2
A unique cursive script was used for Indian Qur'ans between the late fourteenth and mid-sixteenth centuries. Called bihari (from the region of Bihar), although it is not known exactly where it developed, the script’s main traits are its wide, extended horizontal lines and its thin, delicate verticals. Qur'ans of this style also often use several different colors for the text (here, alternating lines of gold, black, and blue), and include zigzagging Persian commentary in the margins.
A unique cursive script was used for Indian Qur'ans between the late fourteenth and mid-sixteenth centuries. Called bihari (from the region of Bihar), although it is not known exactly where it developed, the script’s main traits are its wide, extended horizontal lines and its thin, delicate verticals. Qur'ans of this style also often use several different colors for the text (here, alternating lines of gold, black, and blue), and include zigzagging Persian commentary in the margins.
Artwork Details
- Title: Folio from a Qur'an Manuscript
- Date: probably early 15th century
- Geography: Attributed to India
- Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
- Dimensions: H. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm)
W. 9 5/16 in. (23.7 cm) - Classification: Codices
- Credit Line: Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, 1992
- Object Number: 1992.145.1
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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Multiple artists/makers
931 AH/1524–25 CE
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
Sultan Muhammad
ca. 1525
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
Qasim ibn 'Ali
ca. 1530
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
ca. 1430–40
Maulana Da'ud
ca. 1525–50
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