Fragmentary Qur'an

Unknown

9th century

Pen and ink, gold paint, and tempera colors, Pen, Ink, Tempera Colors

J. Paul Getty Museum

A page of an illuminated manuscript features rows of Arabic script in gold ink on a cream-colored background. Small red and blue dots are scattered between the lines of text, and decorative circular motifs appear at the end of some lines. This is an illuminated copy of the Koran, Islam's sacred text, which contains revelations recited by the prophet Muhammad (died 632) to the people of Mecca and Medina. Because figurative art is not used in an Islamic religious context, this manuscript relies largely on the decorative properties of Arabic writing for its aesthetic effect. Islamic texts such as this, and other objects with Arabic script, were admired in Europe for their distinctiveness and beautiful design. Artisans were inspired to create similar calligraphic patterns on glassware and ceramics. Other Islamic designs that were copied in the West include: knot work, sc