Lot 127 A SMALL OTTOMAN ILLUMINATED QURAN, 18TH CENTURY
A complete Quran, Arabic manuscript on cream paper, each page with 14 lines written in black naskh script within gold and blue rules, gold roundel verse markers outlined in black, tajwid and diactries in red. Surah headings in red ink, gold and polychrome marginal floral roundels indicating the 'Juz and Hizb'. Two opening biofolia heavily with gilt and polychrome decoration framing 9 lines of black naskh script in clouds reserved against a sprinkled gold ground.
In brown morocco binding.
Panel: 4.2 by 8.2 cm.
Paper: 8 by 13.5 cm.
This manuscript exemplifies the refined tradition of Ottoman Quran production, characterised by its balanced naskh script, disciplined page layout, and restrained yet elegant illumination. The use of gold roundels for verse markers, red vocalisation, and marginal medallions reflects a standardized system widely employed in Ottoman workshops. The illuminated opening bifolio, with its cloud-band reserves against a gold ground, is particularly characteristic of Ottoman manuscript art from the 17th century onward, though similar features continued into the 18th century. The relatively modest scale and decoration suggest production for private use rather than an imperial commission.