Kashmiri Qur'an in hand-painted lacquer binding

[Qur'an]. Manuscript Qur'an.

Kashmir, 19th century CE.

8vo (150 x 226 mm). 258 ff. Arabic manuscript on paper. Black naskh script with cloudband gilt decoration throughout, section titles in white on gilt with floral borders, text ruled in gilt, red, blue, and outer floral border, marginal illuminated floral medallions. With eight double-page 'unwan title borders, bound at the front, throughout, and at the end of the manuscript. Contemporary floral lacquer binding with hand-painted floral decorations.

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Elaborately decorated Qur'an, and a beautiful example of a 19th century lacquered binding: the gilt covers are decorated with flowers so carefully hand-painted that some species can be individually identified. The inside of each cover features cornflowers painted on a yellow field in a red and pink border. The text itself is no less lavishly decorated, with interlinear gilding (or "cloudband" gilt) throughout, gilt backgrounds for section titles, and marginal medallions picked out in colours and gilt, also painted in the floral theme. Interestingly, the manuscript boasts not one but eight double-page 'unwan borders, including one bound in at the end of the manuscript. All are elaborately decorated in gilt and colours. Overall, a lovely example of this period of Qur'an decoration.

Condition

Some chipping to gilt on covers and to spine, some marginal worming. Altogether in good condition.