A Copto-Arabic book of prayers, Egypt, Ottoman, 18th century or later

Arabic and Coptic Greek on watermarked paper, 382 leaves plus 6 fly-leaves, 18 lines to the page written in naskh and Greek in black and red ink, f.1b with a Coptic cross in red and black, titles in red and black, various markers throughout, titles in polychrome geometrical cartouches, in red leather binding

Private Collection, Germany, since 1971.

In reasonably good condition, probably incomplete the lower sides have been affected by a fire, stains, losses, smudges, the binding heavily damaged, 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."

Written in Coptic Greek and Arabic, this interesting manuscript is a book of prayers. Coptic was maintained as a language after the Arab conquest of Egypt and remained in use, written with the Greek alphabet, and supplemented by seven additional signs. The Arabic on the left hand side was added for those unfamiliar with reading Coptic. Two similar liturgical codices are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inv.no.19.196.5 and 19.196.3 (published in Drake Bohem & Holcomb 2016, p.104). The watermark reads F.N.Fiorio Riva and with a crowned shield containing three stars. The shield is listed in E. Heawood, Watermarks mainly from the 17^th and 18^th century, Holland, 1950, n.817, pl.128.