Bidspirit auction | Two leaves of a Qur'an

Two leaves of a Qur'an illumination with gold powder and mineral pigments - Two leaves of a Qur'an illumination with gold powder and mineral pigments North India, probably 18th-19th century. Paper, ink, illumination with gold powder and mineral pigments (lapis lazuli, cinnabar, azurite). Dimensions: 29.7 × 16.3 cm and 29.5 × 17.5 cm. Naskh script in ink. Condition: browned, wormholes, restored. Mineral pigments: Artists used natural stones and minerals ground into pigments: lapis lazuli for deep blue; malachite for green; cinnabar or vermilion for red; azurite for lighter blues. Qur'an illumination refers to the artistic adornment of Qur'an manuscripts, especially with gold, vibrant colors, and geometric or floral motifs. It is a form of sacred art that emphasizes the visual beauty of the holy text. The purpose is to honor the divine nature of the Qur'an.