A volume of the Qur’an, North Africa, dated Safar 1143 AH / August 1730. First volume of a handwritten Qur’an on laid paper; the text, comprising 19 lines per page, is calligraphied in brown ink in Maghribi Arabic script, with vocalisation in red ink and diacritical marks in polychrome inks. The titles of the surahs are illuminated in polychrome, inscribed within cartouches featuring geometric and floral decoration, extended by marginal medallions. Throughout the text, illuminated medallions or marginal inscriptions mark its divisions. On the final page, an illuminated colophon, set within a mandorla, gives the date of copying as the month of Safar 1143 H / August 1730. The text extends from the Fatiha to Sura al-An’am (VI). Flap binding with a fastening strap in brown morocco leather, embossed with striated bands and embroidered with a crescent moon embracing a star on the flap. 30 x 22 cm Signs of wear, water stains, spots, a few tears and damage, wormholes, and handwritten notes added at a later date. Expert: Camille Celier CEA Expert in Islamic Arts