- 54
A Qur'an leaf in Kufic script, North Africa or Near East, 9th century AD
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Ink & Gold on Vellum
text: surah 'abasa (LXXX), verses 21 to 31
Arabic manuscript on vellum, seven lines to the page, written in Kufic script in dark brown ink, vocalisation of red, yellow and green dots, verses separated by triangular clusters of 6 gold dots, fifth verses marked by a stylised letter 'ha' in gold, tenth verse marked by a large foliate roundel, numbered in Arabic numerals at the upper and lower leaf edges
Arabic manuscript on vellum, seven lines to the page, written in Kufic script in dark brown ink, vocalisation of red, yellow and green dots, verses separated by triangular clusters of 6 gold dots, fifth verses marked by a stylised letter 'ha' in gold, tenth verse marked by a large foliate roundel, numbered in Arabic numerals at the upper and lower leaf edges
Condition
In good overall confition, a few creases, ink slightly faded on recto, otherwise calligraphy strong and gold, gold bright, 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
Produced in North Africa when Qu'ran production was at its apogée, these Qur'an folios are recognisable for their strong and disciplined hand, as well as the exaggerated mashq that is present here. Other sections from this Qu'ran are in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin (James 1980, p.18, no.5), The Iran Bastan Museum, Tehran (Ms. 4289, Lings 1976, no.5), and the Pars Museum, Shiraz.
Various other folios from this Qu'ran displaying the same strong aesthetic features have come to auction, including two leaves sold in these rooms 14 April 2010, lots 1 & 5, 1 April 2009, lot 2; another bearing the illuminated heading of Surat al-Haaqa, sold in these rooms 9 April 2008, lot 15 and a leaf of the Surat Nuh sold in these rooms, 24 October 2007, lot 4. Two bifolia were offered in these rooms, 6 April 2011, lots 168-9.
Various other folios from this Qu'ran displaying the same strong aesthetic features have come to auction, including two leaves sold in these rooms 14 April 2010, lots 1 & 5, 1 April 2009, lot 2; another bearing the illuminated heading of Surat al-Haaqa, sold in these rooms 9 April 2008, lot 15 and a leaf of the Surat Nuh sold in these rooms, 24 October 2007, lot 4. Two bifolia were offered in these rooms, 6 April 2011, lots 168-9.