A QUR’AN BIFOLIUM IN EASTERN KUFIC SCRIPT, PERSIA, 11TH/12TH CENTURY AD |

text: surah Yusuf (XII) middle of v.4 to beginning of v.18 Arabic manuscript on cream polished paper, 9 lines to the page written in Eastern Kufic in black ink, verses separated by polychrome and gold rosettes, vocalisation in red, diacritics in blue and green, gold and polychrome ‘ashr and khamsa verse markers

In good condition, minor smudges and stains, 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.
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This bifolium comes from a dispersed Qur’an attributable to Persia. A similar Qur’an, slightly smaller in size but written in the same bold black Eastern Kufic is dated to the last quarter of the tenth century (see Bloom 2001, p.104-5). Other leaves from this Qur’an have been sold at Sotheby’s London, 12 October 2000, lot 37; 15 October 1998, lot 9; 9 July 1979 lot 3, whilst another is now in Harvard Art Museums, Boston, inv.no.1924.95 (published here https://www.harvardartmuseums.org/collections/object/217155?position=154).