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

text: surat al-nisaa' (iv) v: 12



7 lines per page written in bold extended kufic script in brown ink on vellum, letter pointing of brown diagonal dashes, vocalisation of red and green dots

In good condition, some staining to edges, small tears and losses at edges, surface wear mainly to hair side, 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."

The distinctive attenuated style of the kufic script exhibited here relates it to a group of leaves that rarely appear at auction. Prior to this sale only a few others have been offered publicly including two single leaves in these rooms, 18 April 2007, lots 1 and 2, and prior to that 3 May 2001 lots 4, 5 and 6. The calligraphic style of these leaves can be associated with a manuscript in the Bodleian Library, Oxford.  Although the measurements of the two manuscripts are not exactly aligned to this leaf or those sold previously (the section in the Bodleian measures 20.2 by 31cm. and is probably slightly trimmed), the script, its arrangement on the page and the vocalisation would indicate that they are all from one and the same manuscript.