Handicrafts of Great Khorasan

Handicrafts of Great Khorasan

Analysis of the visual characteristics of the decorative Kufic script in the Quranic booklet numbered 3248 of Astan Quds Razavi based on Volvo classification

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Faculty of Handicrafts, University of Esfahan, Iran
2 Faculty of Handicrafts, University of Isfahan, Iran
3 Department of Art research,Azad Islamic University of Mashhad
4 Department of Carpet, University of Esfahan, Iran
10.22034/hgj.2026.580107.1063
Abstract
One of the calligraphic scripts that held a distinguished visual status was Decorative Kufic. Owing to its ornamental features, this script possessed the capacity for expansion and the creation of numerous and diverse works.Due to the many innovations in its writing style and embellishments, Decorative Kufic is difficult to read and was therefore most often used for chapter headings (sūrah titles) and opening verses. Thus, it can be said that Decorative Kufic reflects the cultural and spiritual values of Iran and Islam. Accordingly, the present study aims to analyze and precisely elucidate the visual characteristics and structural features of the Kufic script in Manuscript No.3248 of the Qur’an held at Astan Quds Razavi. It seeks to answer the following questions: What are the characteristics of the letters, the overall composition, and the types of ornamentation in this valuable work? The research method is based on a descriptive-analytical approach.Data collection was conducted through library research, utilizing books, online resources, and note-taking from the aforementioned sources. The findings indicate that the structural composition of the script is based on the creation of visual rhythm through symmetrical mirroring, compact V-shaped connections, the presence of serifs on certain letters, short horizontal extensions along the baseline, and both connected and detached ornamental elements. Altogether, these features have produced a simple and cohesive square composition, not unlike the arrangement of early Kufic scripts. This manuscript is among the few works that, due to the simplicity of its ornamentation, has been entirely executed in Decorative Kufic.
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  • Receive Date 02 September 2025
  • Revise Date 11 October 2025
  • Accept Date 04 November 2025