Koran

h. 1253 [1837]

This Koran is written unusually in hurde talik (miniature talik), and is the only example of an Ottoman Koran in this script known to exist. Talik was not used for writing the Koran because it is a script not normally written with vowel signs. However, by skilfully placing the vowel signs so that they do not detract from the graceful appearance of the script, Mustafa İzzet produced this exquisite Koran. The Koran begins with the Fatiha surah and first four verses of the Bakara surah in an illuminated spread. The illumination around the fields of writing extends into the margins, with no sharp boundaries. Long curving saz leaves that are deflected by branches spreading into the margins, large hatayi (stylised composite) flowers and bunches of hatayi flowers are basic elements of the design, reflecting the 16th century saz style. Meanwhile acanthus leaves and polychrome bouquets typical of 19th century decoration are incorporated into the inner part of the composition, so combining old and new. The marginal symbols that facilitate reading the Koran are here in the form of polychrome bouquets and vases of flowers. Surah headings are embellished with acanthus leaves and flowers. Another feature of the decoration is borders of multicoloured saz leaves framing some of the verses. The colophon page is designed as an illuminated panel with saz leaves and vases of flowers around the two lines of text (f. 307r). Pink is the predominant colour in all the illumination, used in combination with blue and gold. The illuminator’s fondness for the colour pink is shown in the bouquet of pink hyacinths on the page with his signature, which is written in the form Zehhebehu Hasan 1256 inside a gilded cartouche at the bottom of the hyacinth stalk. The lacquered leather binding with flap is original. The covers are decorated with saz leaves and bouquets painted in yellow, red and green tones of gold, inside narrow borders containing gold cable motifs. The dark blue leather doublures and endpaper are decorated with a long gilded bouquet in the centre and cornerpieces with saz leaves.

Detail

Title:

Koran

Artist:

Kazasker Mustafa İzzet Efendi

Date:

h. 1253 [1837]

Dimensions:

17,5 x 10,7 cm

Medium:

Sized paper, black ink, coloured paint, gold

Location:

Sabancı Üniversitesi Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi (Emirgan, İstanbul, Türkiye)

Credit:

Reference

*Uğur Derman, Sabancı Üniversitesi Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi Hat Koleksiyonundan Seçmeler, İstanbul.

*Uğur Derman, Masterpieces of Ottoman Calligraphy from the Sakıp Sabancı Museum,İstanbul

*Lines in Gold. Ottoman Calligraphy from the Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Sergi Kataloğu, Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, 11 Aralık 2007-2 Mart 2008, İstanbul.

*Ottoman Calligraphy from the Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Sergi Kataloğu, Real Alcazar, 4 Nisan-15 Temmuz 2008, İstanbul.

*Uğur Derman, Doksandokuz İstanbul Mushafı, İstanbul.

Koran

Detail

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