Large Qur'an Leaf in Kufic Script on Vellum, North Africa or Near East, Circa A.D. 900

text: surat al-ahqaf (xlvi) vv: 9-10



7 lines per page written in bold and considered kufic script in brown ink on vellum, vocalisation in red, green and orange dots, single verses marked with pyramidal compositions of 6 gold dots

In good condition, light staining and minor losses to extremities, surface wear and losses largely to hairside, very light creasing, overall ink strong and bright and vellum clean, 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.
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This impressive kufic leaf is an excellent example of the mature stage of Qur'anic manuscript production during the ninth and early tenth centuries. The vellum is of high quality and the script attains fully the 'sober beauty' expressed by Déroche in the catalogue of the Nasser D. Khalili Collection (Déroche 1992, no. 21) when describing the high script of the period. The letter spacing is well considered, the hand is confident and the overall effect is solemn and dignified.

A leaf from a similar Qur'an is in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection, London (Déroche 1992, no.20)  Other related leaves and manuscripts are as follows: Qairawan, Musée des arts Islamiques (Carthage, no.328); Nasser D. Khalili Collection, London (Déroche 1992, no.21); Sotheby's, London 28 April 1993, lot 67; 15 October 1997, lots 2 and 7; 29 April 1998, lots 5 and 6; Christie's London, 28 April 1992, lot 34; Bernard Quaritch, catalogue 121, no.4. Most recently a leaf from this Qur'an was sold in these rooms, 18 April 2007, lot 4.