AN ARABIC PRIMER Possibly North Africa, late 19th - early 20th century Arabic manuscript on light blue paper, 18ff., each text folio with 7ll. of black ink naskh, the opening bifolium painted in bright orange, green, yellow and gold, the following pages with charts and study exercises in varying letter combinations, the final four pages with the abjad lettering and prayers in praise of the creator, the declaration of faith (shahada), praises for the Holy Prophet and for the Prophet Ibrahim, in embossed paper binding with vegetal decorations, 22cm x 17cm.