A celebration of the illuminated Qur'an: a manuscript gifted to Gamal Abdel Nasser

[Qur'an Juz']. An illuminated Qur'an, Juz' I.

€ 45,000.00

A monumental illuminated Qur'an Juz', lavishly produced by the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments as a state gift to President Gamal Abdel Nasser (1918-1970 CE), leader of modern Egypt and the Arab nationalist movement. The calligrapher who completed and signed his work was Nadim Fawzi, known for his large-format Qur'ans and often commissioned by nobility or the state.

The manuscript is inked in a series of large, formal scripts on pages on heavy cream paper, richly illuminated in a range of vibrant jewel tones: emerald green, crimson, gold, deep blues, and purple. The title folio features bold thuluth calligraphy embossed in gold on a brocade-like patterned field. Opening and closing surahs are rendered in magnificently bordered panels, alternating between traditional and modern Egyptian calligraphic styles.

The manuscript comprises the first of the thirty sections into which the Qur'an can traditionally be divided, called Juz'. This includes Surht al-Fatihah, the opening of Surah al-Baqarah up to verse 141. Also included in the manuscript, however, are other select verses, interspersed with pages of artistic medallions, illuminated ornaments, and calligraphic flourishes.