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An Illuminated Genealogical Scroll (Silsilname), Central Asia, early 19th century
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
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Description
Arabic and Persian manuscript on paper in scroll form, some parts possibly missing, introductory text in thuluth and nasta'liq scripts, key figures within polychrome rosettes, margins ruled in red and silver, borders decorated with overlapping semi-circles, names of sufis in green, red and black roundels
Condition
In good overall condition, some stains and tears, 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
Sufi genealogical scrolls, which traced the order's history back to the Prophet Muhammad, were popular in Ottoman times, although the present example is marked out as having a provenance further east by a number of features. The appearance of names towards the end of the scroll such as "Khwarazmi", "Bukhari" and "Otrari" point to a Central Asian place of origin, as do the script and palette of dark green, red and yellow. A Qur'an in the collection of Ghassan I. Shaker relates to this scroll in terms of the illumination which shares distinctively Central Asian motifs (N.F. Safwat, Golden Pages, Qur'ans and Manuscripts from the Collection of Ghassan I. Shaker, Oxford, 2000, p.170-3, no.39).
This particular scroll seems to have been produced for a Sufi family named 'Ashqi, as this name appears frequently at the end of the manuscript, and is accorded a distinguished history, which includes Naqshabandi, Suhrawardi and Yasavi lineages.
This particular scroll seems to have been produced for a Sufi family named 'Ashqi, as this name appears frequently at the end of the manuscript, and is accorded a distinguished history, which includes Naqshabandi, Suhrawardi and Yasavi lineages.