Page from a Copy of The Qur'an - Islamic

An illuminated folio from a Qur'an manuscript, featuring white calligraphy on alternating blue and gold panels with floral borders.

This exquisite folio originates from a manuscript of the Qur'an, representing the tradition of Islamic book arts. The composition features five horizontal panels containing calligraphic script, executed in a white ink that contrasts against alternating fields of deep blue and burnished gold. Each panel is framed by borders filled with floral motifs, including small blossoms and scrolling vines, which demonstrate the precision of the illuminator.

The margins of the page are decorated with a wide, elaborate border. This outer section employs a repeating pattern of lobed medallions and floral sprays, maintaining a balance between the central text and the surrounding ornamentation. The use of gold leaf provides a reflective quality to the page, typical of high-status manuscripts produced for royal or religious libraries during the Safavid or Ottoman periods.

Calligraphy in this work follows the Muhaqqaq or Thuluth style, known for its rhythmic flow and structural clarity. The interplay between the blue and gold pigments creates a sense of depth, while the white script remains the primary focus. The paper itself shows signs of age, with a warm, parchment-like tone that provides a neutral ground for the saturated colours. This print captures the technical skill required to produce such devotional works, where every element of the page serves to honour the text. The symmetry of the design, combined with the density of the floral decoration, reflects the aesthetic values of the period, prioritising order and beauty in the presentation of sacred scripture.