Leaf from the 'Five Surahs,' Illuminated Arabic Manuscript in Muhaqqaq Script on Paper, Persia or Mesopotamia, Circa 1350-1420

text: sura saba' (xxxiv) vv: 9-12



5 lines per page in magnificent muhaqqaq script in black ink outlined in gold, on buff paper, single verse divisions marked with geometric knots, borders ruled in red, blue and gold, tenth verse division marked with large illuminated roundel inscribed with 'ashr' in thuluth and ringed with a radiating floral motif in alternating blue and white on a blue ground

In generally good condition, some smudging, rubbing and thumbing associated with age, 'ashr' marginal medallion restored and replaced upside down, scattering of small perforations to interior edge, minor creasing, 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 magnificent folio formed part of a prayer-book known as the Five Surahs Manuscript. As its name would suggest the manuscript consisted of five surahs, and it is remarkable for its outstanding beauty and its highly accomplished gold-outlined muhaqqaq. David James observes that the calligrapher achieves "faultless perfection... equalled only by Ibn al-Suhrawardi in the Qur'an he produced in Baghdad in the early years of the 14th Century." (James, D. 1992, p.16).

It is rare indeed to find a genuine example of work from the masters of this period, and the inclusion of a colophon bearing the signature of the scribe "copied by the weak slave who implores the Lord's mercy, Abu-Mohammad 'Abdol Qayyum, son of Mohammad, son of Karimshah-e Tabrizi" is another remarkable feature of this manuscript.

Examples of pages from this manuscript can be found in the Nasser D. Khalili collection, (James 1992, cat. 1, p.16); another was formerly part of the Art and History Trust Collection, (Soudavar 1992, cat. 19, p.50); and the David Collection (von Folsach 1990, cat.6).