Manuscript of the Qur’an, with lacquer binding Possibly 1630 - 1857

Editor: This is a manuscript of the Qur’an with a lacquer binding, by Fathallah ibn Muhammad `Ali Isfahani. I’m struck by how vibrant the floral design feels, almost like it’s bursting with life. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The floral imagery speaks volumes. In Islamic art, gardens often represent Paradise. The rose, in particular, carries immense symbolic weight, frequently associated with divine love and the Prophet Muhammad. Do you see how this relates to the Qur'an itself? Editor: That makes a lot of sense! The beauty of the binding reflects the beauty of the text inside, almost like a visual echo. Curator: Precisely. It underscores the profound reverence for the written word and the desire to elevate the physical form to match the spiritual content. Editor: I hadn't considered that before. Thanks for illuminating those connections! Curator: My pleasure. It's fascinating how visual symbols can carry such deep cultural memory.