Qur'an page

Datelate 8th century

Label TextThe Qur'an ("recitation" in Arabic), like the Bible, is divided into chapters and verses. On this Qur'an page, one particular verse (ayah) reveals the level of respect Islam accorded Jews and Christians, known as the "People of the Book," stating: "Surely those who believe [Muslims] and those who are Jews…and the Christians, whoever…does good-they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve." This page comes from a Qur'an written a century after Islam's initial appearance. It is written in Kufic script, the oldest calligraphic form of Arabic. The dating of this page is, in fact, based on the use of this specific script, which evolved over time.

Object number47.100

ProvenanceHeeramaneck Galleries, June 9, 1947; Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia

Exhibition HistoryRome, Italy, Iranian Art, Palazzo Biancaccio, 1956 Seattle, Washington, Bumbershoot Festival, Seattle Center, August 1975 (8/1975) Published References"Handbook, Seattle Art Museum: Selected Works from the Permanent Collections." Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1951, p. 16 (b&w) Exhib. Iranian Art, Rome, Palazzo Biancaccio, cat. (1956), p.270 (494) Moseley, Johnson, Koenig, Crafts Design, (1962), p.91. Preview, KLSN Program and Fine Arts Guide (July 1962), p. 5. Graham, Donald W. Composing Pictures, 1970, p.28, ill. Rogers, Millard B. "Engagement Book: Iranian Art in the Seattle Art Museum," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1972, fig. 27. S.A.M. Engagement Book, Iranian Art (1973) #27. Bacharach, Jere "Data Bank Uses: Examples from the Seattle Art Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art" in ARTS & THE ISLAMIC WORLD. Special Supplement Islamic Arts in France. Vol 4 No 4 Autumn/Winter 1987/1988. p.45-47.

Credit LineEugene Fuller Memorial Collection

Dimensions12 15/16 x 15 9/16 in. (32.8 x 39.6 cm)

MediumInk and gold on parchment