- 23
A small illuminated Qur'an, Persia, dated A.H. 1128 / A.D. 1715
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
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Description
Arabic manuscript on paper, 452 leaves, 19 lines to the page written in small naskhi script in black ink with diacritics and vowel points in black, gold roundels between verses, inner margins ruled in gold, catchwords, commentaries in shikasteh script in outer margins, sura headings in thuluth script in gold within illuminated panels, two doubles pages of fine illumination at beginning and end of the Qur'an text followed by prayers, diagrams and a list of ulama dated A.H. 1178 and 1254 / A.D. 1764 and 1838 respectively, black shagreen with stamped central medallions decorated with floral motifs, borders painted in gold, red doublures with gilt borders
Condition
in silk bag, fraying. book in good condition, surface worn slightly due to age and thumbing, inside in near perfect condition, some pages slight rubbing, 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 names at the end of the Qur'an list the genealogy of Sayyid Muhammad, titled Sultan al-'Ulema (probably an influential and wealthy Shi'i cleric), back to Imam 'Ali. A Qur'an was sold at Sotheby's on 13th April 2000, lot 10, in which his name was written in an illuminated cartouche, something usually reserved for Qajar kings. The Qur'an must have been restored by Sultan al-'Ulama or at least came to his possession in A.H. 1254. The numbers and letters at the end are a magic inscription.