Folio from the "Blue" Qur'an, 9th-10th century. Ink, gold, and silver (now oxidized) on blue-dyed parchment, 11 3/16 x 15 in. (28.4 x 38.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Beatrice Riese, 1995.51a-b (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1995.51a-b_front_IMLS_SL2.jpg)
Folio from the "Blue" Qur'an, 9th-10th century. Ink, gold, and silver (now oxidized) on blue-dyed parchment, 11 3/16 x 15 in. (28.4 x 38.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Beatrice Riese, 1995.51a-b (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1995.51b_PS2.jpg)
Folio from the "Blue" Qur'an, 9th-10th century. Ink, gold, and silver (now oxidized) on blue-dyed parchment, 11 3/16 x 15 in. (28.4 x 38.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Beatrice Riese, 1995.51a-b (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1995.51a-b_back_IMLS_SL2.jpg)
Folio from the "Blue" Qur'an
Arts of the Islamic World
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.
MEDIUM
Ink, gold, and silver (now oxidized) on blue-dyed parchment
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS
- Possible place made: North Africa
- Possible place made: Sicily, Italy
- Possible place made: Western Islamic lands, Spain
DATES
9th-10th century
DIMENSIONS
11 3/16 x 15 in. (28.4 x 38.1 cm) (show scale)
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.
COLLECTIONS
Arts of the Islamic World
ACCESSION NUMBER
1995.51a-b
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Beatrice Riese
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1994, provenance not yet documented; by October 1994, acquired by Beatrice Riese of New York, NY; June 22, 1995, gift of Beatrice Riese to the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Folio from the "Blue" Qur'an, 9th-10th century. Ink, gold, and silver (now oxidized) on blue-dyed parchment, 11 3/16 x 15 in. (28.4 x 38.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Beatrice Riese, 1995.51a-b (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1995.51a-b_front_IMLS_SL2.jpg)
IMAGE
front, 1995.51a-b_front_IMLS_SL2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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