The Chester Beatty Library's 16th-century Ruzbihan Qur'an is one of the finest Islamic manuscripts known. In terms of both materials and workmanship, it is exquisite: lapis lazuli and gold are used on every page. This is the most detailed and comprehensive study of any Islamic manuscript. The Chester Beatty Library's 16th-century Ruzbihan Qur'an - produced in the city of Shiraz in southwest Iran - is one of the finest Islamic manuscripts known. In terms of both materials and workmanship, it is exquisite: lapis lazuli and gold, the two most expensive pigments available, are used on every page, while the rendering of the decoration is exceptionally fine. This is the most detailed and comprehensive study of any Islamic manuscript - and it is well worthy of such scrutiny. Praised in a 16th-century account as one of the finest calligraphers of his time, Ruzbihan Muhammad al-Tab'i al-Shirazi would have produced numerous Qur'ans during the course of his career, but only five signed by him have survived. Much of the study of this, surely his finest manuscript, is focussed on understanding the processes and procedures involved in the production of the manuscript and thus on gaining an insight into the problems faced by Ruzbihan and the other artists and how they resolved them. Certain surprising and never-before-seen techniques of production and 'tricks-of-the trade' have been uncovered. A large portion of the information presented is the result of very close examination, under high magnification, of the manuscript's 445 folios (890 pages). Many of the reproductions included are of minute details of the decoration that are difficult, or even impossible, to see with the unaided eye. 350 colour illustrations
