Hilye-i Sherif, signed by Gurkan Pehlivan (b.1970, known as Mahfi), Turkey, dated 1431 AH/2009 AD

Coloured ink on hand prepared paper, 'Ya Nebi Allah' written in Kufic script in the form of a mosque, surmounted by the 'Bismillah' in Thuluth script, with the Hilye text written in Naskh script beneath

"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."

For a description of the Hilye, please see footnote to previous lot.

Gurkan Pehlivan

Born in Konya in 1970, Gurkan Pehlivan worked as a designer in the leather industry for twenty years before meeting the calligrapher and marbler Fuat Basar, under whom he studied calligraphy. He received his calligrapher's licence (ijazah) in 2003, and has since written the inscriptions for a number of mosques, fountains and mausolea, including the Kambur Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the foundational inscription of the Bostanali Mosque in Kadirga.