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Qur'an Bookbinding Inset with Turquoise

16th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 462
The stamped and gilded techniques used for this leather binding were common in the Middle East, especially in Iran where the art first developed, and in Turkey, where it was perfected. Central almond-shaped medallions and concave fillings in the four corners are common features of Islamic books. Ottoman book covers with this kind of composition and floral design served as models for a great number of Venetian Renaissance bookbindings and, more surprisingly, Venetian furniture as well.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Qur'an Bookbinding Inset with Turquoise
  • Date: 16th century
  • Geography: Made in Iran
  • Medium: Leather; stamped, painted, gilded, and inset with turquoise
  • Dimensions: H. 14 in. (35.6 cm)
    W. (closed): 10 in. (25.4 cm)
    W. (open): 27 in. (68.6 cm)
    D. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1956
  • Object Number: 56.222
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Kitab suwar al-kawakib al-thabita (Book of the Images of the Fixed Stars) of al-Sufi, `Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi Iranian, Ink and gold on paper; leather binding
Kitab suwar al-kawakib al-thabita (Book of the Images of the Fixed Stars) of al-Sufi
`Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi
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"The Feast of Sada", Folio 22v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
"The Feast of Sada", Folio 22v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
Sultan Muhammad
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"Isfandiyar's Third Course: He Slays a Dragon", Folio 434v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
"Isfandiyar's Third Course: He Slays a Dragon", Folio 434v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
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Qasim ibn 'Ali
ca. 1530
Flap of a Bookbinding (Jild-i kitab), Leather, paper; painted, gilded, and lacquered
Flap of a Bookbinding (Jild-i kitab)
16th century
Khusrau and Shirin, Hatifi Iranian, active Istanbul, Main support: ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; binding: leather
Khusrau and Shirin
Hatifi
Suzi
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