Description:

A MINIATURE SAFAVID OCTAGONAL QUR'AN, PERSIA, 18TH CENTURY
Persia, 18th century 

Description:
Arabic manuscript on light brown paper, octagonal format; text written in dense black naskh script within octagonal borders ruled in red. Occasional rubrication throughout, with verses tightly inscribed in miniature scale across both sides of the folios. The manuscript is housed in its original leather binding with a central stamped lozenge and blind-tooling reflecting Safavid binding aesthetics. The form and scale suggest it was intended as a talismanic or devotional object, designed for personal or portable use. 

Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 cm 

This rare miniature Qur’an demonstrates the Persian Safavid tradition of pocket-sized devotional manuscripts. Octagonal Qur’ans are particularly prized for their highly unusual form and the spiritual significance ascribed to their geometry. The current example remains well-preserved, with a striking original binding and consistent text throughout.

Comparable examples:

  • A highly important miniature Safavid Qur'an, Persia, 16th century, sold at Christie’s, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 25 June 2020, Lot 48, for £87,500

  • An octagonal Safavid Qur’an, Persia, circa 1700, sold at Sotheby’s, London, 20 October 2021, Lot 40, for £60,480

  • A miniature octagonal Qur’an with original lacquer binding, Persia, 18th century, sold at Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 11 June 2019, Lot 57, for £43,812

Note:
Miniature Qur’ans, particularly those in unusual shapes like the present octagonal form, were highly valued objects carried by travelers or worn as amulets. Their compact size, intricate calligraphy, and distinctive bindings reflect a marriage of faith, portability, and craftsmanship that continues to capture the interest of serious collectors.

 

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
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£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000