Quran - Quran Bi-Folio. India Bihar - 1425

A decorative illuminated bi-folio manuscript from a much used and frail small Quran originating in the state of Bihar, India, circa 1425. This prosperous state, lying south of Nepal close bordering the Ganges river, became Muslim in the 12th century originally under the Bengal Governors.

This bi-folio is from Chapter 19, Mariam (Mary), which talk of the purpose of re ealing the Quran.

The Muslim calligraphers developed a distinctive style of script called Bihari (after the State), characterised by wide, heavy and extended horizontal lines, and thin verticals. In this case there are 16 & 17 lines of fine script on the left and right folio, with an illuminated header 2/3rd of the way down the left folio. Verses within the scripture are separated by decorative 'aya' in gold, with a red centre dot, 4 equally spaced blue markings on the circumference and radials running from the centre to each of these. There is the occasional devotional marking in red within the script. On the left folio there is an 'Allah' markings in heavier gold script below the Surah.

On both folios, there is an illuminated medallion in the shape of a sun-dial with its circumference punctuated with equally spaced rectagular markings, marking out 10 verses. The left folio contains an elaborate marginal.
Each folio has the script framed in red and blue fine lines. The marginals also have the same border lines.

Because Bihar is a warm and humid province, manuscripts from there, do not generally keep well. This bi-folio has some water staining and some scuffingg (see image 4c).

Each of the folios is the same size as described (11x6cm). As they are this small, this would have been a travelling companion to a devotee.

Please note that shipping costs are not solely the cost of the postal delivery service itself. Included within the shipping price is the work undertaken to prepare the article, for photography, for uploading to Catawiki, for preparation and packaging the article securely and for transporting the article to the postal delivery agent for processing.

Also, please consider when bidding on this lot that this artwork is shipped from the UK. Import duties will now have to be paid by the recipient to the Postal Service when the parcel arrives in your country. This will likely vary between 5% and 20% of the sale price depending on your country's Import Rate, so please do check this if you are concerned. This is a Tax collected on behalf of your Government and is not an additional fee charged by us.