Folio from a Qur'an Manuscript first half 10th century This folio features a number of decorative elements that were meant to assist the reader by rendering the text of the Quran more legible. The kufic letters are written in brown ink, with the words vowels indicated above and below letters in red dots. Other markings in blue, green, and yellow further clarify pronunciation. Rosettes, as in the left margin, mark the end of verses. Sura (chapter) headings are enclosed in gilded, decorative boxes that begin with palmettes in the right hand margin. The parchment support places the Quran in the early Islamic period, since paper came to dominate from the eleventh century on.. Folio from a Qur'an Manuscript 449111