Lot 1
  • 1

An illuminated Qur’an juz (VI), North Africa or Andalusia, circa 13th century AD

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
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Description

  • leather and ink on vellum
  • 21 by 20.4cm.
text: surah al-nisa (IV) verse 148 to surah al-ma’idah (V) verse 81
Arabic manuscript on vellum, 71 leaves, 5 lines to the page, written in Maghribi script in brown ink, verses separated by three gold knots, khamsa and ’ashra verse markers, f.1b with a gold and polychrome geometric cartouche indicating the beginning of the juz, f.23a with surah heading written in gold with illuminated palmette extending into the margin, f.71a with 2 lines written in gold naskh indicating the end of the juz, misbound, later morocco binding, with flap

Condition

In generally good condition, restoration to the leaves, stains and minor holes, three verses missing, misbound, 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."

Catalogue Note

The scribe has made a mistake and missed three verses while copying this juz (surah al-Ma’idah (V) v.18, 19 and 45); verse 17 ends in the same way as verse 19, and verse 44 finishes with a very similar sequence of words as verse 45: very likely the scribe copied this juz in several days, finishing writing verse 17 one day and probably picking up again the copy at another time. This would justify the gap between the verses.