An Illuminated Miniature Quran, Copied by Husayn Ibn 'Ali Khatib, Persia, dated 637 AH/1239 AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 186 leaves plus 3 flyleaves, ff.84-85 and 119-148 later replacements, 22 lines to the page, written in minute Ghubar script in black ink, illuminated marginal devices throughout, opening double page illuminated frontispiece composed of two opposing panels filled with scrolling floral and geometric motifs, following illuminated double page, red morocco binding with gilt-stamped central lobed cartouche  

In generally good overall condition, spine repaired, some abrasions to binding, some waterstains and worm holes to opening section, 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 rare and early Qur'an manuscript is written in a vertical format on paper. Whilst various Qur'ans were still being produced at this time on vellum and in a horizontal format, the use of paper had already occurred earlier on in the eastern Islamic lands. This was due to the arrival of the technology for making paper through the capture at a battle near Samarqand in 751 AD of Chinese prisoners, including several who were paper-makers. Thus as early as the eighth century paper was used as a material for writing manuscripts in the lands east of Iraq. In the western Islamic lands (i.e. the Levant, North Africa and the Mediteranean basin), the use of paper took longer to establish, especially for the writing of Qur'ans, for which vellum was the favoured material until the eleventh century. In the far west, in Morocco and Islamic Spain, Qur'ans were written on vellum right up until the fifteenth century.

The present Qur'an, which remarkably retains its opening four pages of illumination, relates to two other early manuscripts sold in these rooms; 25 October 2010, lot 12 and 6 April 2011, lot 178. In contrast, however, this Qur'an displays a more cursive script, representing the natural successor to the more angular Kufic styles of the earlier Abbasid period. A further comparable manuscript was offered for sale on 6 April 2011, as lot 181.