Qur'an, Iran, late 19th - early 20th century Large manuscript on paper, 14 lines per page in naskhi Arabic in black ink, some characters, marginal inscriptions and titles in red ink. The manuscript is introduced by a double frontispiece in unwân illuminated in gold and polychrome, the text in reserve on a gold background, flanked by gilded cartouches and surmounted by a poly-lobed lambrequin trimmed with plant scrolls, the whole encircled by a frieze of gilded plant scrolls. Papier-mâché binding painted, gilded and lacquered with a composition of eglantines framed by floral cartouches on the boards, the back covers painted red with gilded frames. Size of binding: 33.3 x 22.5 cm Restorations, stains, wear, folds, foxing.