- 38
A Talismanic scroll, Khurasan, Persia, 11th/12th century AD
Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
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Description
- Ink on Paper
Arabic manuscript on paper, the Bismillah at the head, with the attributes of Allah written in two columns beneath, magic squares drawn at the top and bottom, strengthened at the edges
Condition
In fair overall condition, the manuscript strenthened all around with paper, some waterstaining, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
During the eleventh and twelfth centuries, there was a tradition for talismanic objects and manuscripts, and surviving scrolls remain a rarity. For various metal talismans incised with magic squares and circles, see F. Maddison & E. Savage-Smith, Science, Tools and Magic, Part I, London 1997, p.138, nos.77-78, whilst a Mamluk scroll in a Malaysian private collection is published in Islamic Calligraphy - Sacred and Secular Writings, exhibition catalogue, 1988, p.98, no.22.