Double leaf from a Koran written in many types of script
Yemen; 1st half of 14th century
Each leaf: 39 × 32.2 cm
Inventory number 47a/2000 & 47b/2000
It is quite exceptional that this spread from a Koran contains no fewer than four different types of script. Eastern Kufi was used for the framed, illuminated chapter heading for sura 20 and the round markers for each tenth verse. In addition, it features three of the six cursive scripts that were regulated by Ibn Muqla in the 10th century: Naskh, used for the main text; Muhaqqaq, used in the black lines contoured with gold; and Thuluth, used for the golden center lines.
Nothing of this kind was found in related Korans from Mamluk Egypt, something that reinforces an unconfirmed assumption that this manuscript was produced in Rasulid Yemen.
Nothing of this kind was found in related Korans from Mamluk Egypt, something that reinforces an unconfirmed assumption that this manuscript was produced in Rasulid Yemen.
Published in
Published in
47a/2000
Unpublished;
47b/2000
Joachim Meyer, Rasmus Bech Olsen and Peter Wandel: Beyond words: calligraphy from the World of Islam, The David Collection, Copenhagen 2024, cat. 20, pp. 146-147;
Unpublished;
47b/2000
Joachim Meyer, Rasmus Bech Olsen and Peter Wandel: Beyond words: calligraphy from the World of Islam, The David Collection, Copenhagen 2024, cat. 20, pp. 146-147;