Lot 11
  • 11

Sura Yasin from the Qur'an, copied by Ahmad al-Nayrizi , Persia, Safavid, dated A.H. 1120/A.D. 1708

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

Arabic manuscript on paper, 26 leaves, 8 lines to the page written in fine naskhi script in black ink on cream paper, interlinear gilt, with gold florets between verses, wide outer margins, illuminated opening double page, flyleaves with seal impressions and ownership inscriptions, later red morocco binding with blue silk covers

Condition

In good overall condition, opening page with an 11cm vertical tear to the central panel border, otherwise pages clean and fresh, ink strong, slight tear to last page, 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."

Catalogue Note

Ahmad al-Nayziri was one of the most celebrated masters of naskh that Iran had produced under the patronage of Shah Sulayman and Shah Sultan Husayn. His repertoire of works include numerous copies of the Qur'an, prayer books, and a Qur'anic inscription in the Chihil Sutun palace in Isfahan. His style of naskh has been aptly described as 'a particularly confident one, characterized by exceptionally well-formed letters. Vowels were given exactly the same weight as consonants, with care taken to ensure that the vowel signs were always placed at exactly the same distance above and below the consonants throughout the passage of the texts' (see Raby 1996, p.212).

A further example of his work, a single-volume Qur'an, can be found in the Nasser D. Khalili collection (see Bayani et al [Eds.] 1999, vol.IV, pg.128, fol.53).