AN ILLUMINATED QUR'AN, COPIED BY SULEIMAN IBN ZAIN AL-ABIDIN KNOWN AS TAWFIQI, TURKEY, OTTOMAN, DATED 1217 AH/1802-03 AD

Illuminated Arabic manuscript on paper, 340 leaves, 15 lines per page written in neat naskhi script in black ink, gold florets between verses, margins ruled in gold and colours, sura headings written in white thuluth script on illuminated panels, further text divisions marked in margins, opening double page frontispiece with floral illumination in colours, gold and silver, colophon surrounded by polychrome floral illumination, 19th century gilt-stamped green morocco binding, with flap

Good condition, some staining on leather cover and a few pages, but overall gold and ink are bright and pages are crisp, 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 colophon informs us that the scribe Suleiman ibn Zain al-Abidin was a pupil of the scribe Mustafa known as Kutahi (from Kutahya).

The use of silver in the outer areas of the illumination on the frontispiece is highly unusual.