- 78
A fine illuminated Ottoman Qur'an, copied by Safi-Zade Ahmed Zihni Kutahi (d. after 1845), Turkey, 19th century
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 GBP
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Description
- bound paper
Arabic manuscript on paper, 308 plus 3 flyleaves, 15 lines to the page, written in neat naskh script in black ink, verses separated by gold roundels pointed in blue, surah headings in blue against a gold ground with numerals in red, margins ruled in black, gold and blue, illuminated blue and gold marginal devices, catchwords, opening illuminated double-page frontispiece composed of an interlace of monochrome and polychrome scrolling flowers within geometric borders, against a gold ground pinpricked with cintamani motifs, text within cloud bands, illuminated colophon in oval cartouche, pink doublures with leafy impressions, morocco binding with painted diamond shaped foliate motif with ropework border, with flap
Condition
In good overall condition, calligraphy bold, illumination bright, a number of leaves loose, pages clean, very minor paper loss, some minor smudges, slightly thumbed, slight wear to binding, repair to spine, 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
Ahmed Zihni Kutahi
Born in the city of Kutahya as a member of the Safi-zade family, Ahmed Zihni learned calligraphy from Hasan Feviz, the student of master Osman the Mad (Deli Osman, d.1805) and son-in-law of Ibrahim Afif Efendi (d.1767). Ahmed Zihni Kutahi's only recorded work is a Qur'an dated 1262 AH/1845 AD in the collection of the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Istanbul.
The present Qur'an is noteworthy for its surah headings which are recorded with unusual amounts of detail: not only the number of verses in each surah are inscribed but also the number of words and letters.
Born in the city of Kutahya as a member of the Safi-zade family, Ahmed Zihni learned calligraphy from Hasan Feviz, the student of master Osman the Mad (Deli Osman, d.1805) and son-in-law of Ibrahim Afif Efendi (d.1767). Ahmed Zihni Kutahi's only recorded work is a Qur'an dated 1262 AH/1845 AD in the collection of the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Istanbul.
The present Qur'an is noteworthy for its surah headings which are recorded with unusual amounts of detail: not only the number of verses in each surah are inscribed but also the number of words and letters.