This image is a copy of an illumination from a Quran reportedly written and illuminated by Abd Allah ibn Mohammad al-Hamadani in 1313AD. The original is in the National Library, Cairo. The copy was made from an illustration in 'The Quranic Art of Calligraphy and Illumination' by Martin Lings (Plate 54).
 
It was whilst deconstructing the pattern used in this illumination that I came across two surprising errors which may throw its true authorship into doubt (see the page on 'Geometric Design as Art'). Al-Hamadani is an acknowledged master of his art, and though he may well have drawn the original design it seems unlikely that he would have made the rather crude mistakes himself. Possibly the piece was completed by an apprentice or it may have suffered from the attention of inexperienced conservators.
 
The copy remains in the possession of the artist.