A PERSIAN QAJAR QURAN, 19TH CENTURY

Arabic manuscript on paper, 296 leaves with six fly-leaves, each folio with 14 lines of elegant black naskh script. Persian interlinear translation in red nastaliq, gold and polychrome roundel verse markers, large gilt and polychrome floral marginal 'juz' and hizb' medallions, text within gold and blue rules, surah headings in red on cartouches with gold ground and gold and polychrome floral illumination at either end, occasional marginal commentary in black nastaliq in white clouds in cartouches issuing floral medallions above and below, opening two bifolia fully illuminated in gold and polychrome, end of the text with prayers and dedication. In gilt lacquer binding with central cartouche surrounded by spandrels containing scrolling floral vine, within strapwork and floral borders. Text panel: 9.5 by 19 cm. Folio: 15.5 by 25 cm.