Lot 30: A MINIATURE PRINTED QURAN, DATED 1308 A.H, LATE 19TH CENTURY
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A finely preserved miniature Quran printed in the late 19th century, dated 1308 A.H (corresponding to 1890-91 CE). This compact devotional volume is printed in crisp Arabic script within finely ornamented floral borders, displaying a harmonious balance between text and decoration. The opening bifolium features elaborately engraved frames filled with arabesque motifs and calligraphic medallions, executed in black ink with exceptional detail.
The Qur’an is bound in its original dark red morocco binding, featuring an envelope flap typical of Islamic bindings, with tooled geometric and floral designs on the covers. The gilt-edged pages are printed on lightly toned cream paper, and the binding remains in good condition with expected wear from age and use.
This small yet exquisite volume exemplifies the transition from manuscript to printed Qurans in the late 19th century, when traditional design aesthetics were retained even as new printing technologies were adopted across the Islamic world.
13 x 9.5cm
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