A large illuminated Qur’an

Title

Year/Period

18th or 19th century

Region

Probably Indonesia, Southeast Asia

Object Type

Qur'ans, illuminated manuscripts, rare books

Material

ink, leather bindings (bookbindings), paper (fiber product)

Technique

bookbinding (process), calligraphy (process), illustration (process), stamping (marking)

Dimension

Object size: ,
Object Size: H:40.1 x W:26.4 x D:6.7 cm

Accession No.

2012-00167

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

Credit Line

Gift of Maniza and Iqbal Jumabhoy

This is a beautiful Malay Qur'an written in superb naskh calligraphy, with three finely illuminated double-pages in gold and colours at the beginning, middle and end of the manuscript. The lavish use of gold was traditionally reserved for royal patronage and these manuscripts are very rare. It is likely that such Qur'ans were used on special occasions by a member of the royal court or by a wealthy patron of high rank.