- 11
a large Qur'an leaf in muhaqqaq script on paper, EGYPT, MAMLUK, mid-14th century
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
Text: Surat Al-Hijr (xv), vv.89-Surat Al-Nahl (xvi), v.4
12 lines per page written in fine muhaqqaq script in black ink on cream paper, significant words written in gold, gold florets decorated with coloured dots between verses, sura heading (Surat al-Nahl) written in white thuluth script in white on a finely illuminated panel of foliate motifs in colours and gold, margins ruled in blue and gold, illuminated marginal device marking quarter juz' division
12 lines per page written in fine muhaqqaq script in black ink on cream paper, significant words written in gold, gold florets decorated with coloured dots between verses, sura heading (Surat al-Nahl) written in white thuluth script in white on a finely illuminated panel of foliate motifs in colours and gold, margins ruled in blue and gold, illuminated marginal device marking quarter juz' division
Condition
some smudging, paper clean and fresh, ink strong, gold intact, good condition overall, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The now dispersed Qur'an from which these leaves originate is a fine example of Mamluk manuscript production at its height in the fourteenth-century. The leaves are relatively large, the paper is thick and well-polished, the script is a handsome muhaqqaq, displaying a strong rhythm and the illumination is finely executed.
Other leaves from the same manuscript are in the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, 30.55-59 (Atil, 1975, pp.96-9, nos.41-2), the David Collection, Copenhagen, 21/1987 (Von Folsach, 1990, p.36, no.5) and several have been sold in these rooms 23rd April 1997, lots 57-58; 14th December 1987, lot 207; 12th October 1981, lot 145; and 8th April 1981, lot 190.