A RARE ILLUMINATED QUR'ANIC PRAYER SCROLL, TURKEY, OTTOMAN, EARLY 16TH CENTURY

Arabic manuscript on paper, extracts from the Qur'an, prayers and pious phrases written in gold, black and coloured inks in a variety of scripts including muhaqqaq, rayhani, thuluth, nasta`liq and square Kufic, some in micrography of ghubari script, further micrography forming floral scrolls and cloud bands, the illuminated ground with polychrome floral designs, geometric panels, small coloured squares and plain coloured grounds

Fine condition, some losses and nibbles to pages, repairs and some stains and fading, but most parts of gold are bright, 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 is a rare and very finely executed scroll of prayers and Qur'anic extracts, whose quality, variety of scripts, illumination, and decorative inventiveness is striking. Illuminated scrolls from the early Ottoman period are very rare. A related example was sold in these rooms 26 April 1995, lot 22.