A Calligrapher's Exercise, by Mustafa Rakim, Turkey, Late 18th Century

Arabic manuscript on paper, approximately 19 lines to the page, written in Naskh and Thuluth scripts in black ink, horizontally, vertically and in varying sizes, various small gold roundels pointed in red and gold separating verses, margins ruled in black and gold

In fairly good overall condition, a few smudges, minor losses 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."

Mustafa Rakim of Tash-mekteb (d.1767)

Born in Istanbul, Mustafa Effendi studied calligraphy under the supervision of Seyyid Abdullah Effendi of Yedikule. He was appointed calligraphy teacher in the Tash-mekteb. He was particularly celebrated for his transcriptions of the Qur'an, and was responsible for the preparation of the writing tools of the court. He died in 1767 and was buried in the Merkezefendi cemetery in Istanbul.