An illuminated Qur’an juz’ (XVIII), Turkey, Ottoman, early 15th century

text: surah al-mu’minum (XXIII) to surah al-furqan (XXV), end of verse 20
Arabic manuscript on polished paper, 45 leaves, 5 lines to the page, written in large muhaqqaq script, a section in alternating gold and black ink with diacritics in black, a section in gold and a section with the middle line in blue and all diacritics in gold, first double page within gold margins, verses separated by gold florets, opening page lacking illuminated headings, marginal roundels, later red morocco binding with central golden medallion, with flap

In reasonably good overall condition, the margins cropped and generally clean except two marginal later notes in black, the longest less than 6cm long, spine repaired and various paper repairs to leaf edges, various minor stains, as viewed.
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This illuminated Qur'an juz' comes from a grand Qur'an written in thirty sections in the first half of the fifteenth century. It is an important example of early Ottoman manuscript production, relating stylistically to late Mamluk Qur'ans, especially in the basic layout and the fine muhaqqaq script. The strong, flowing rhythm is enhanced by the use of alternate lines of blue and gold ink. Juz' IV from the same series (also part of the Ghazi Collection) was sold in these rooms 19 October 2016, lot 122, whilst other leaves and sections from this Qur'an were sold in these rooms, 20 April 2016, lot 6; 29 October 1998, lot 28; 15 October 1997, lot 13 and 30 April 1992, lot 434.