Lot 161: A PERSIAN OR NORTH INDIAN ILLUMINATED QURANIC AMULET SCROLL, 19TH CENTURY OR LATER.
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This item is a hand-calligraphed and illuminated Quranic amulet scroll, traditionally known as a tumar. The scroll consists of a narrow strip of hand-laid paper featuring verses from the Quran written in black ink in a fluid Naskh script. The calligraphic content includes the opening chapter, Surah Al-Fatiha, beginning with the Bismillah, followed by Surah Al-Ikhlas and Surah An-Nas. The text concludes with the pious formula Sadaq Allahul Azim. The calligraphy is framed throughout by gold-painted lobed borders, a technique known as tahrir or cloud bands. One end of the scroll is embellished with an ornamental headpiece featuring gold-painted floral and foliate scrollwork. The reverse of the scroll is finished with a decorative marbled paper in shades of red, yellow, and black. The aesthetic style of the gold illumination and floral motifs is characteristic of the Persianate tradition prevalent in Qajar Iran or Mughal and post-Mughal India during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Approximately 130 x 3.3cm
Condition report:
The scroll is in fair to good antique condition. The paper exhibits general age-related toning, minor scattered foxing, and small areas of staining. There are visible horizontal creases and fold lines consistent with being tightly rolled over a long period. The edges of the paper strip are slightly irregular, which is common for hand-trimmed items of this age. The gold pigment remains bright and well-defined with only minor instances of rubbing.
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