AN ILLUMINATED MINIATURE OCTAGONAL QUR’AN, TURKEY, OTTOMAN, 18TH CENTURY |

Arabic manuscript on paper, 290 leaves, plus 4 fly-leaves, 18 lines to the page, written in ghubar script in black ink, verses separated by gold dots, surah headings in black against a gold ground, opening double page frontispiece decorated with text within floral gold and polychrome interlace, closing double page decorated with gold and polychrome interlacing palmettes, in gilt-stamped leather binding, in later fitted case

In good condition, minor smudges to the ink, minor losses to the colour of the opening and closing bifolia but otherwise in good condition, minor stains and restoration, 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."

Octagonal Qur’ans, also called sancak, became popular from the seventeenth century onwards. Often used as amulets to carry on one's person, especially during times of conflict, they were written in a very small script called ghubar (literally 'dust'). Sancak Qur’ans were usually kept in small fitted boxes which could be attached to battle standards. Most of the surviving examples are either Ottoman or Persian in origin, although two Indian examples have been offered in these rooms (16 October 1996, lot 25 and 26). Although lacking a date, the opening and closing bifolia of this sancak Qur’an are closely comparable with an example now in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art (Acc. No.QUR425, Vol.IV, p.257).