An illuminated Qur’an section, Bust, Ghaznavid, circa 1110 AD

text: part 4 of a Qur’an in 15 volumes, surah al-An‘am (VI), v.21 to surah al-‘Araf (VII), v.170

illuminated Arabic manuscript on buff paper, 87 leaves, 7 lines to the page written in bold muhaqqaq-tawqi script in black ink, verses separated by small stylised florets in gold, fifth and tenth verses marked in margins with illuminated devices, further text divisions and sajda and salat points marked with marginal illumination, surah headings marked with a horizontal illuminated panel with a marginal palmette, opening page with large illuminated quatrefoil device, opening double page of text surrounded by panels of elaborate illumination with palmettes extending into margins, contemporary, possibly original stamped leather cover preserved and mounted on upper doublure, outer covers of Safavid or Qajar silk with floral ogival lattice design

21.5 by 14.3cm.

Condition Report:
Overall light staining to the paper, the first four and last four folios are more fragile than the main body of the manuscript with minor losses to paper along edges, some additional folios with slightly scuffed edges, some areas of discolouration, creasing and abrasions to paper surface, the text is bold and clear, minor loss to pigments and gold, the later cloth binding with minor wear.