Four leaves in thuluth Muhaqqaq script on paper, Anatolia or Central Asia, circa 1335

Text: Surat 'Abasa (LXXX), vv.: 1-4; Surat Al-Inshiqaq (LXXXIV), vv.: 6-19



Each leaf with three lines per page written in strong thuluth muhaqqaq script in black ink on cream paper with diacritics and vowel points in black, interlinear Persian/Turkish translation written diagonally in small naskhi script, illuminated florets decorated with green roundels and red dots between verses, in two mounts 

Formerly in the Kelekian and Riefstahl Collections

some staining and rubbing, minor losses to extremities, ink strong, overall good condition, as viewed.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

These leaves are from a well-known Qur'an thought to be of Anatolian or Central Asian origin.  The best known leaves are distinctive for their fine (added) border illumination and extracts from the hadith written in red and blue kufic.

Other leaves from this Qur'an, without the added border, have been sold in these rooms, 24th October 2007 lot 15, 3rd May 2001, lots 9-10; 22nd April 1999, lot 11 (a section of twelve leaves); 11th October 1991, lot 895; 23rd May 1986, lot 263; 20th November 1986, lot 297 and Christie's London, 19th April 1999, lot 16 (a section of twelve leaves).

For a further discussion on the origins of these Qur'an leaves, see James 1988, pp.167-177.