AN ALIF-BA MUFREDAT, COPIED BY MAHMUD AL-RACI STUDENT OF MUSTAFA KUTAHI, TURKEY, OTTOMAN, DATED 1198 AH/1783-84 AD |

Arabic manuscript on paper, 22 leaves plus 2 fly-leaves, 13 lines to the page, 16 leaves with tables containing letter combinations, written in fine naskh in black ink, ruled in gold, black and red, f.1b with a polychrome and gold headpiece, f.5b and 6a with a double page with illuminated headings and margins decorated with polychrome interlacing floral scrolls, marginal floral medallions, in brown leather Ottoman binding decorated with gilt stamped dots, with flap

In good condition, the margins are clean, minor stains and holes, minor rubbing and restorations, smudges, 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."

Mahmud Raci Efendi studied calligraphy with the famous calligrapher Mustafa Kutahi (Derman 2011, p.254). He worked in the Ragib Pasha Library and taught several illustrious calligraphers, including Mehmed Hulusi Efendi, who was the uncle and teacher of the nineteenth-century scribe Mehmed Sevki Efendi (d.1887), who is credited with founding the 'Shevki school' of calligraphy. Mufradat, (alphabetical) exercises started to be common from the seventeenth century onwards and were used to introduce students to Arabic and the rules of calligraphy. Another mufradat dated to the eighteenth century was sold in these rooms, 24 October 2018, lot 32.