Ancient Illuminated Quranic Manuscript

This is an exquisite example of an ancient Islamic manuscript, specifically a double-leaf spread from a Quran. The pages are crafted from aged vellum or high-quality polished rag paper, showing a deep ochre and cream patina indicative of significant age. The script is a sophisticated Naskh or Muhaqqaq style, rendered in deep black ink with meticulous precision. Each page features 13 lines of text framed within a multi-layered border of gold leaf, red, and blue ruling. Notable features include gold vocalization marks and verse markers (ayats) rendered as small gold circles. At the bottom of each text block, there is a larger circular gold leaf medallion, likely indicating the end of a specific section or 'Juz'. The condition shows signs of historical use and aging, including minor foxing, slight water staining along the lower margins, and some fraying at the edges of the substrate. The binding is not visible, but the central fold suggests it was once part of a larger codex. The high level of craftsmanship, particularly the use of burnished gold and the uniformity of the calligraphy, suggests a royal or high-status commission from the Mamluk or early Ottoman period, likely dating between the 14th and 16th centuries. The scale appears to be a medium-format library volume.