Lot 103: A LARGE ILLUMINATED MAMLUK QURAN LEAF, EGYPT OR SYRIA, 14TH CENTURY

A single double-sided manuscript leaf from a monumental Quran, featuring calligraphy in black Muhaqqaq script. The script is characterised by long horizontal strokes and tapered descenders. The text comprises verses from the end of Surah Maryam (Chapter XIX) and the beginning of Surah Ta-Ha (Chapter XX). The calligraphy includes full vocalisation in black ink and orthoepic signs in red. An illuminated rectangular heading for Surah Ta-Ha contains the title and a verse count in gold script against a burnished gold ground. This panel is flanked by square decorative segments with blue and gold geometric patterns and an extending marginal palmette. Individual verses are separated by gold six-petaled rosettes with red and blue dots. Circular marginal medallions in gold, blue, and red indicate textual divisions, and smaller marginal notations are present.

47 by 35cm