VOLUME I of the The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art

The Collection contains the largest and most comprehensive range of Qur’anic material in private hands. This, the first of four volumes devoted to the subject, covers the three major styles of Qur’anic calligraphy that came into existence before ad 1000.

The catalogue contains 98 items, which are described and illustrated in colour. Included among these are a significant number of complete manuscripts, some with their original bindings; two folios from the famous 9th-century Qur’an written in gold on blue parchment; and two quires from a 10th‑century Qur’an, the only copy known to have been produced in Sicily.

The introduction includes a survey of the codicology and illumination of early Qur’ans, and discusses problems of classification and dating.

The author’s system of classifying early Qur’anic scripts is set out in five tables, and the calligraphic styles themselves are discussed in three essays (Hijazi script; Early Abbasid scripts; and the New Style).

27cm x 37cm, 191 pages, Hardcover, 1992 (Condition: As New / Fine)

Condition Definition:
As New / Fine = New or almost without defect
Very Good = Showing signs of wear
Good / Fair = A bit worn but complete, with defects noted
Poor = worn with visible defects