An illuminated Qur'an in Eastern Kufic script, Persia, 12th century AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 221 leaves, lacking surah al-fatiha, part of surahs II, III, IV and LIV, surahs LV to LXXI, part of LXXIX and surah LXXX, surah al-Nas, 17 lines to the page, written in Eastern Kufic script in black ink, vocalisation in black and red, surah headings written in bold Eastern Kufic script in yellow and outlined in brown, fifth verse marked with a stylised letter 'ha', tenth verses marked with illuminated gold florets, later brown morocco binding, with flap

In fairly good overall condition, some stains and paper repairs to the opening and closing pages, some nibbles to leaf edges, 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."

This large Qur'an written in 'Eastern Kufic' script belongs to a small group of Qur'ans written on vellum or paper which originate from the twelfth century. By the beginning of the eleventh century, Qur'ans were being written in a more legible form of Kufic script than the earlier more stylised versions (see lots 47, 54 & 56 for examples of Abbasid period Kufic script). At the time of this Qur'an's production, paper had all but replaced vellum as the standard material for Qur'ans, and the vertical format had also superseded the typical horizontal format for execution of the text.

The script of the present Qur'an can be compared to a later copy in the Mashad Library dated 620 AH/1223 AD and attributed to Persia (see M. Lings, The Qur'anic Art of Calligraphy and Illumination, World of Islam Festival, London, 1976, pp.27-47, no.21, XIV). A further comparable manuscript is a single-volume Qur'an in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection (see Déroche 1992, pp.180-1, no.96). Similar Qur'ans to the present example were sold in these rooms 6 April 2011, lot 177 and 18 October 2001, lot 22.