- 76
An illuminated Qur'an, copied by Ahmad Zihni, Turkey, Ottoman, dated 1280 AH/1863 AD
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
- bound manuscript
Arabic manuscript on paper, 306 leaves plus 3 flyleaves, 15 lines to the page, written in neat naskh script in black ink, catchwords, verses separated by various floral motifs, surah headings in white within gold foliate panels, margins ruled with a thick gold band, illuminated marginal devices in varied rococo designs, opening illuminated frontispiece with flamboyant rococo motifs set against a complete gold ground pin-pricked with cintamani designs, colophon, doublures and binding with ensuite decoration, with flap and slipcase
Condition
In very good overall condition, pages clean and illumination bright, minor rodent damage to lower leaf edges in second half, spine, flap and slipcase with wear associated with age and requiring some repair, 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
The colophon of this attractive rococo-decorated Qur'an states the chain (silsila) of the calligrapher as follows: Ahmad al-Zihni, student of Hasan al-Fawzi, student of Osman Efendi (d.1805). The last of these was son-in-law of 'Afif Efendi who signed his works Osman al-ma'arouf bi-damad-i 'Afif, but due to some rather eccentric behaviour, he was also known as 'Osman the Mad'.