A survey of illuminated Islamic manuscripts from the Malay peninsula reveals a very uneven pattern of distribution. While one or two impressive manuscripts are known from Pulau Pinang, Kedah, Selangor or Pahang, only a few decorated manuscripts of mediocre quality have yet been identified from Perak. The situation on the northeast coast of the peninsula could not be more different, for some of the finest illuminated Islamic manuscripts in the whole of Southeast Asia were produced in considerable numbers in the states of Terengganu, Kelantan, and Patani. It must be stressed that the chronological spread of these manuscripts is limited, with most probably dating from the 19th century and only a few from the 18th century. Nonetheless, the picture we are looking at suggests that, artistically, something special was going on in this region, rooted in a compelling sense of regional identity.