Description:

AN ILLUMINATED MINIATURE QURAN, SAFAVID, PERSIA, 17TH CENTURY
Description:
A finely illuminated miniature Qur’an produced during the Safavid period, notable for its compact dimensions and lavish illumination. The opening bifolio features a spectacular double-page frontispiece, richly adorned with floral arabesques in gold, cobalt, and crimson, surrounding cartouches and interlaced medallions. The script is neatly executed in black naskh, with chapter headings highlighted in red and blue, enclosed within gold and blue ruled frames.

The work demonstrates a high level of Safavid artistry, with dense marginal ornamentation and meticulous calligraphy—likely intended for personal devotion or travel, in keeping with miniature Qur’ans of the time. The pages reveal evidence of frequent use, as indicated by staining and some repairs, but the illumination retains its vibrancy and detail.

Binding:
Bound in a later red morocco binding with flap, lined in leather, possibly Qajar. The binding is functional but shows light wear and age-related abrasions along the spine and edges, with a charming patina suggesting long-term private ownership and devotional handling.

Dimensions:
Length: 7 cm
Width: 5 cm

Comparable Examples:

  • A similar 17th-century Safavid Qur’an of small format with illuminated opening, sold at Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, 25 April 2018, Lot 92, for £16,250.

  • Another comparable Qur’an, Safavid period, with vibrant polychrome illumination and miniature scale, sold at Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 11 June 2020, Lot 110, for £13,000.

  • A fine illuminated Qur’an in pocket-size format from Persia, 17th century, realised £15,000 at Christie’s, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 27 October 2022, Lot 75.

Note:
Miniature Qur’ans served as talismanic objects and were often kept in pouches or hung around the neck. The quality of the illumination in this example suggests it may have been a commissioned object, possibly intended for a member of the Safavid court or a high-ranking religious patron. The survival of such intricate detail in a manuscript of this size makes it an exceptional example of devotional craftsmanship from Safavid Persia.

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

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