A miniature Qur’an on gazelle skin, Persia, Qajar, 19th century

Arabic manuscript on gazelle skin, 177 leaves plus 8 flyleaves, 19 lines to the page, written in fine ghubar script in black ink, verses separated by gold dots, surah headings in red thuluth script within illuminated panels with floral decoration, catchwords, margins ruled in colours and gold, the outer top corner of each page with illuminated foliate sprays, marginal devices throughout, 3 fully illuminated double pages at the beginning including index of surahs, prayers and opening verses of the Qur'an, lacquer binding finely-decorated with a dense ground of interlacing vines and split-palmettes, red doublures with flowering plants

In very good overall condition, illumination bright, 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 uncommon use of delicate, paper-thin vellum in Qur'an production of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries appears to have been restricted to only those of the highest calibre, as witnessed in the present example. Comparable manuscripts have been sold in these rooms 8 October 2014, lot 44; 3 October 2012, lot 26; 9 April 2008, lot 26; 28 April 1993, lot 109 and 15 October 1984, lot 281.