Physical Analysis of the 19th Century AD East Coast Red Quran Bindings

Abstract

This research is to reveal the East Coast Malay Peninsula's Quran binding design and decoration. There are many varieties of materials, colours, techniques and designs used in the Malay Archipelago to decorate bookbinding, including the Quran. One of the famous Malay illuminated Qurans is known as the East Coast Quran style, which is designated to Terengganu and Kelantan, located in the East Coast area of the Malay Peninsula. This Quran binding style was mainly wrapped with red leather as their covers. This is why it is called red Quran bindings. The aim of this research is to develop a set, of which can be used as another method to identify the origin of the Quran production, besides the illumination styles. Unlike Qurans from Turkey and Persia, which were signed, Qurans in this area were not signed and it is difficult to identify their origins. This research applies a typological methodology to set a standard template for the designs and decorations. Kelantan and Terengganu were famously known as Islamic learning centres in this region in the 19th century and rich with traditional local arts and culture.