Idrisi, Al

860 x 1900mm., map on six sheets joined, areas of restoration on each sheet, contemporary lacquer throughout

Ahmad, “Cartography of al-Sharif al-Idrisi”, The History of Cartography, Vol. 2, Book 1; Amari e Schiaparelli, 1883.

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"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 map is oriented with south at the top and shows the world from Spain to Korea. A large continent stretches out from eastern Africa, landlocking the Indian Ocean except for the eastern side. Mountains, lakes, rivers and towns are represented, as well as roads and distances. The foremost geographer of his period, Abu 'Abdallah Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Sharif al-Idrisi (c1100-1165), was born in Sabta, Ceuta, into a family that claimed rights to the caliphate. He was educated in Cordoba, and travelled widely in North Africa, Europe and Anatolia. In about 1138 the Norman king of Sicily, Roger II, invited al-Idrisi to his court in Palermo, and commissioned him to compile a description of the entire contemporary world. In collaboration with other scholars in Roger’s court, al-Idrisi produced a large circular world map engraved on silver, now lost, and a book, which was to provide the supplementary text. Written in Arabic and accompanied by seventy regional maps and one world map, the book divided the world into seven climates, in keeping with the Ptolemaic system. Each region was thoroughly described in its physical, political, economic and cultural conditions. The book proved to be a great success in the Arabic world, and was copied and translated for centuries. In the western world, it was first printed in Rome in Arabic characters in 1592, then partially translated and published in Latin in 1619. The book served as major tool for Italian, Dutch and French mapmakers from the Only ten manuscript copies of the book survive, dating from the early 1300s to the late 1500s; of these, eight contain the maps.