A QUR'AN LEAF IN KUFIC SCRIPT ON VELLUM, NEAR EAST, 8TH CENTURY AD |

text: surah al-Ma'idah (V), middle of v.34 to end of v.44Arabic manuscript on vellum, 17 lines to the page, written in brown Kufic script

Ex-collection Joe and Hellen Darion, New York (see pp.62-3 for more on the Darion Collection).

Olsen Travelling Exhibition, Persian Miniature no.44 (label on reverse of frame).
On loan: North Carolina Museum of Art, 1962 (loan number Olsen Persian Miniature TL.62.10.44, label on reverse of frame).

In overall good condition, minor rubbing and stains throughout, 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."

This Qur'an leaf is written in a proto-Kufic style and it is an example of the transition between two scripts: the earlier Hijazi, usually found in vertical format, and the later Kufic written in a horizontal format (see following lot). Another leaf, with twelve lines to the page, is in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection (inv. no.KFQ34), and a further in the Bibliotheque Nationale (inv. no.MS.arab.326a). Another leaf from a similar horizontal format early Kufic Qur'an was offered in these rooms, 15 October 1984, lot 206.