Hilye-i Sherif, signed by Ahmet Bursali (b.1966), Turkey, dated 1422 AH/2001 AD

Coloured ink on hand prepared paper, 'Meded ya Muhammad, Meded Ya Resulallah' written in the centre of the Hilye in Jali Thuluth script

"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."

Although difficult to define in exact terms, the Hilye can be summarised as a 'description' of the Prophet Muhammad, in that it entails both physical characteristics as well as referring to his temperament and behaviour. In the absence of any images of the Prophet, his description according to 'Ali Ibn 'Ali Talib (his son-in-law and nephew) is generally regarded as the most authentic, providing a powerful 'verbal image'. Thus most Hilyes take 'Ali's description as their basis. The main components are the basmakam (head station), gobek (belly), kusak (belt) and etek (skirt).

Ahmet Bursali

Born in Istanbul in 1966, Ahmet Bursali learned calligraphy from his father Mustafa Necati who himself was a pupil of Hamid Aytac (d.1982). Taught thuluth, riqa' and naskh scripts by Hasan Chelebi (b.1937), Bursali has been exhibited internationally and works in Uskudar.