A leaf from the 'Five Suras', in muhaqqaq script copied by Abu Muhammad Abdul Qayyum ibn Muhammad ibn Karamshah-I Tabrizi, PERSIA OR MESOPOTAMIA, PROBABLY JALA'IRID BAGHDAD, circa 1370

Text: sura saba' part of v.22 - part of v.24
Arabic manuscript on paper, 5 lines to the page written in elegant muhaqqaq script in black ink outlined in gold, diacritics and vowel points in black ink outlined in gold, single verse divisions marked with geometric knots and dotted border outlined in blue, inner margins ruled in red, blue and gold, illuminated pear-shaped device in outer border including the word 'khums' (fifth) in a central roundel decorated with intertwining serrated leaves in gold and some black on a blue ground

"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."

For a full discussion of the 'Five Suras' manuscript see footnote to preceding lot.

Other leaves from this manuscript are in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection (James, D., Qur'ans of the Mamluks, London, 1992, cat.1, p.16); The Art and Trust Collection, now on loan to the Sackler Gallery, Washington (Soudavar, A., Art of the Persian Court, Selections from the Art and History Trust Collection, New York, 1992, cat.19, p.50); The David Collection, Copenhagen (von Folsach, K., Islamic Art, The David Collection, Copenhagen, 1990, cat.6); and the Furusiyya Collection.

Two leaves were exhibited in Musée d'art et d'histoire, Geneva (Islamic Calligraphy-Sacred and Secular Writings; Musée d'art et d'histoire, Geneva, 1988, nos.23a and 23b, pp.100-104).

Leaves from the same manuscript are also published in:

K. von Folsach, T. Lundbaek  and P. Mortensen, Sultan, Shah and Great Mughal; The National Museum, Copenhagen, 1996, no.101.

B. Quaritch, The Holy Qur'an in Manuscript; National Commercial Bank of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, 1991, no.12.

B. Quaritch, Islamic Manuscripts-Leaves, no. 1366, London, 2008, item L.10. 

Further leaves from this Qur'an, including a bifolium, were sold in our London rooms on 9 April 2008, lot 24, and, 8 October 2008, lots 18 and 19. None of the leaves at auction, however, preserved their original margins.