18th C. Islamic Maghrebi Script on Parchment (Auction 2026-05-15, Lot 157)

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North Africa or the western Islamic world, Maghrebi cultural sphere, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A single Qur’an manuscript leaf rendered on parchment in Maghrebi script, the dominant Arabic script historically used from Mali to al-Andalus. The text is written in a faded black-brown ink and is punctuated with red and green diacritical marks that guide pronunciation and recitation. These chromatic additions reflect the practice of tajwid, the Islamic art of reciting the Qur’an correctly, a discipline whose name translates literally as “beautification.” The measured spacing, rounded letterforms, and restrained palette emphasize both clarity and devotional intent. The passage was identified as Surah al-Kahf, verse 28, concerning divine counsel to the Prophet on patience, though this attribution remains unverified. Size of parchment: 7″ L x 6.3″ W (17.8 cm x 16 cm); matting: 10.8″ L x 9.75″ W (27.4 cm x 24.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s

Old inactive insect activity with perforations to the parchment as shown. Fading and discoloration to the ink as shown. Small tear to periphery.