Handicrafts of Great Khorasan

Handicrafts of Great Khorasan

Analysis of the Visual Characteristics of the Decorative Kufic Script in Quranic Booklet No. 3248 of Astan Quds Razavi Based on the Volov Classification

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Leila Saboori niya 1
Ali Reza Khajeh Ahmad Attari 2
Mehdi Sahragard 3
Iman Zakariaee Kermani 4
1 M.A. Graduate in Islamic Art, Department of Islamic Art, Faculty of Handicrafts, Isfahan University of Art, Isfahan, Iran
2 */ Associate Professor, Department of Handicrafts, Faculty of Handicrafts, Isfahan University of Art, Isfahan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran
4 Associate Professor, Department of Carpet, Faculty of Handicrafts, Isfahan University of Art, Isfahan, Iran
10.22034/hgj.2026.580107.1063
Abstract
Decorative Kufic script is one of the most visually distinguished forms of Islamic calligraphy. Due to its decorative features, it has provided extensive opportunities for the development and creation of a vast array of diverse and innovative works. Because of the complexities of its lettering and ornamentation, this script is often difficult to read and was therefore primarily employed in the surah headings and opening verses of the Quran. Thus, it can be said that Decorative Kufic reflects the cultural and spiritual values of both Iran and the Islamic world. Accordingly, this descriptive-analytical study aims to precisely analyze and elucidate the visual characteristics and structural features of the Kufic script employed in Quranic Manuscript No. 3248 of the Astan Quds Razavi Quran collection; it seeks to explain the attributes of the letterforms, the overall composition, and the nature of the ornamentation in this valuable work. To this end, data was gathered through library research, utilizing books and online sources, and by compiling notes from the referenced materials. Research findings indicate that the work's calligraphic structure—characterized by a visual rhythm, symmetrical arrangements, tight V-shaped junctions, spurs on certain letters, short horizontal elongations along the baseline, and both connected and detached ornamental elements—culminates in a simple, cohesive square composition reminiscent of the arrangement of early Kufic inscriptions. Owing to the restrained use of ornamentation, this manuscript is among the few examples entirely written in Decorative Kufic script.
Keywords
Decorative Kufic script
Quran Manuscript No. 3248 of Astan Quds Razavi
ascenders
horizontal elongations
oblique letters
descender letters
rounded letters
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 02 September 2025
  • Revise Date 11 October 2025
  • Accept Date 04 November 2025