- 6
An illuminated Qur'an leaf on vellum, North Africa or Near East, 9th century AD
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Brown ink and gold on paper
text: surah al-muaffifin (LXXXIII), part of verse 32 to verse 38 and surah al-inshiqaq (LXXXIV), bismillah
Arabic manuscript on vellum, 7 lines to the page written in elongated Kufic script in dark brown ink, verso with an illuminated surah heading in gold with a floral medallion stretching into the margin, verses separated by clusters of 6 gold dots
Arabic manuscript on vellum, 7 lines to the page written in elongated Kufic script in dark brown ink, verso with an illuminated surah heading in gold with a floral medallion stretching into the margin, verses separated by clusters of 6 gold dots
Condition
In generally good overall condition, ink faded on one side, illumination bright, a few minor creases and stains, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Produced in North Africa when Qu'ran production was at its apogée, these Qur'an folios are recognisable for their strong and disciplined hand, as well as the exaggerated mashq that is present here. Other sections from this Qu'ran are in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin (James 1980, p.18, no.5), The Iran Bastan Museum, Tehran (Ms. 4289, Lings 1976, no.5), and the Pars Museum, Shiraz.
Various other folios from this Qu'ran displaying the same strong aesthetic features have come to auction, including a leaf sold in these rooms 5 October 2011, lot 54; 14 April 2010, lots 1 & 5; 1 April 2009, lot 2; two further leaves bearing the illuminated headings of surah al-Lahab (CXI) and surah al-Falaq (CXIII), 9 April 2008, lot 13 and a leaf of the surah Nuh sold in these rooms, 24 October 2007, lot 4. A bifolium was sold in these rooms 24 April 2013, lot 3.
Various other folios from this Qu'ran displaying the same strong aesthetic features have come to auction, including a leaf sold in these rooms 5 October 2011, lot 54; 14 April 2010, lots 1 & 5; 1 April 2009, lot 2; two further leaves bearing the illuminated headings of surah al-Lahab (CXI) and surah al-Falaq (CXIII), 9 April 2008, lot 13 and a leaf of the surah Nuh sold in these rooms, 24 October 2007, lot 4. A bifolium was sold in these rooms 24 April 2013, lot 3.