- 7
An Illuminated Ottoman Qur'an, copied by Ahmed Naili of Galata (d.1813), Turkey, dated A.H. 1193/A.D. 1779
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
Arabic Manuscript on paper, 303 leaves, 15 lines to the page written in neat naskhi script in black ink, ruled in a thick gold border, verses separated by gold rosettes with coloured dots, sura headings in white against gold ground cartouches with coloured floral decoration, illuminated marginal devices comprising flowerheads issuing sprays in colours and gold, tenth verses marked with a gold 'ashr' in the margin, double page frontispiece decorated with enjoined coloured flowers against blue and gold grounds, the text within cloudbands against a punched gold backgound, within a contemporary gilt-stamped morocco binding with marbled-paper doublures and flap
Condition
In very good overall condition, two small repairs to the back of the frontispiece recto page, some of the pages coming unstuck from the spine towards the end, small amount of rubbing to the gilt binding, 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
Ahmed Naili Efendi (d.1813) was from the district of Galata, Istanbul, and studied calligraphy under the supervision of Mustafa Kutahi. He was celebrated for his fine naskh and the Qur'an manuscripts he copied and many of his works were executed on royal commission and display outstanding artistic quality. There are three Qur'an manuscripts copied by him in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Istanbul, and the colophon of a highly important Qur'an manuscript by him has been published in Turkish Calligraphers (see Sevket Rado, Turk Hattatlari, Istanbul, 1980, p.187).