An illuminated Qur'an, Persia, probably Timurid, 15th century, with an ascription to Yaq'ut al-Mustasimi, dated 687 AH/1288 AD, with Qajar illumination, early 19th century

Arabic manuscript on paper, 264 leaves plus 3 flyleaves, remargined throughout in the Qajar period, 16 lines to the page, written in naskh script in black ink, verses separated by gold florets, surah headings in gold thuluth within illuminated panels, opening finely-illuminated frontispiece in colours and gold, Qajar floral lacquer binding with red doublures decorated with leafy flowers

In very good overall condition, a few occasional stains and smudges, otherwise pages clean, 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."

The present manuscript bears a good deal of historical interest, in that it is most likely to be a copy of a Qur'an after Yaq'ut al-Mustasimi (d. circa 1298 AD), produced in the fifteenth century, with later Qajar illumination of the early nineteenth century. The quality of the calligraphy is such that it is likely to have been considered the work of the master Yaq'ut throughout its ownership.

Since as early as the years following Yaqut's death, manuscripts executed by him (and especially his Qur'ans) were hugely sought after, and have practically become, in modern times, the Holy Grail of Islamic arts of the book. In fact, because the quantity of manuscripts produced by Yaqut was relatively few, facsimiles began to be produced (sometimes with the acknowledgment of the copyist, othertimes without). Indeed, so scarce were the manuscripts, even a few years after Yaqut's death, the Ilkhanid vizier and collector of Qur'ans Rashid al-Din was only able to find ten by Yaqut to add to his library (see James 1992, p.58).

One fairly common feature of Yaqut Qur'ans is that they have often been remargined and re-illuminated, as is the case with the present Qur'an, so some artistic evidence of the original manuscript is lost. Similar manuscripts were sold in these rooms 9 October 2013, lot 48 and 25 April 2012, lot 414.