Folio from the "Blue" Qur'an

9th–10th century

1 of 3

Object Label

If God is light, one might consider the gilded words on this Qur’an page as rays of light for those who read and recite his revelations. The “Blue” Qur’an, so named after the rich, indigo-dyed parchment used for its folios, is arguably one of the most extraordinary luxury manuscripts ever created. The angular gold Kufic script was executed using the technique of chrysography, in which ground gold suspended in solution is carefully applied. The unusual color scheme may have been inspired by Byzantine manuscripts; it also may bear some relation to the decoration of the mihrab (prayer niche) at the Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain. The page shown here includes Arabic text from the chapter called “The Women” (Surat al-Nisā’, 4:56–59); these verses refer to the rewards of Paradise awaiting believers in the hereafter.

Caption

Folio from the "Blue" Qur'an, 9th–10th century. Ink, gold, and silver (now oxidized) on blue-dyed parchment, 11 3/16 × 15 in. (28.4 × 38.1 cm) frame: 15 × 20 × 2 in. (38.1 × 50.8 × 5.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Beatrice Riese, 1995.51a-b. No known copyright restrictions (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1995.51a-b_front_IMLS_SL2.jpg)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Folio from the "Blue" Qur'an

Date

9th–10th century

Geography

Possible place made: North Africa, Possible place made: Sicily, Italy, Possible place made: Western Islamic lands, Spain

Medium

Ink, gold, and silver (now oxidized) on blue-dyed parchment

Classification

Work on Paper

Dimensions

11 3/16 × 15 in. (28.4 × 38.1 cm) frame: 15 × 20 × 2 in. (38.1 × 50.8 × 5.1 cm)

Inscriptions

In Arabic, Qur'an 4:56–59, Surat al-Nisa’ ("The Women); these verses refer to the rewards of Paradise awaiting believers in the hereafter.

Credit Line

Gift of Beatrice Riese

Accession Number

1995.51a-b

Rights

No known copyright restrictions

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