A Koran in scroll format, written in various cursive scripts
Iraq or Syria; 1st half of 14th century
L: 755; W: c. 10 cm
Inventory number 37/1996
This scroll contains all of the Koran’s 114 suras and, like many Koran manuscripts, is divided into 30 parts (juz, pl. ajza). It begins with a Koran passage written in black and white Thuluth on a background of illuminations. For the entire length of the scroll, the text of the Koran is surrounded by verses inspired by the 99 Names of Allah written in Naskh with gold. The scroll ends with a long panel, which once again repeats the 99 Names.
A scroll like this one was hardly intended to be read, since the script is diminutive. It was intended to bring luck and was probably worn as an amulet or talisman in a beautifully worked case of leather or metal.
A scroll like this one was hardly intended to be read, since the script is diminutive. It was intended to bring luck and was probably worn as an amulet or talisman in a beautifully worked case of leather or metal.
Published in
Published in
| Kjeld von Folsach: Art from the World of Islam in The David Collection, Copenhagen 2001, cat.no. 9;
