A SMALL QURAN, COPIED BY IBN MUHAMMAD HADI SAYYID MUHAMMAD AL-HUSAINI, PERSIA, DATED 1191 AH/1777 AD, WITH 19TH CENTURY QAJAR ILLUMINATION

Illuminated Arabic manuscript on paper, 192 leaves, 19 lines per page written in fine, small naskhi script, interlinear gold thoughout, small gold florets between verses, sura headings written in red or gold thuluth script on illuminated panels, juz' and hizb divisions marked in margins with illuminated devices, three opening double pages of very fine Qajar illumination in colours and gold, fine Qajar floral lacquer binding

Good overall condition, binding worn, a few minor stains, otherwise good, 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 small Qur'an is exquisitely illuminated, with three opening double pages executed in a style associated with the third quarter of the 19th century. Several Qur'ans copied by the famous Arsanjani family of scribes are illuminated in a very similar manner; see, for instance, examples sold in these rooms 22 April 1980, lot 292 (dated 1866) and 15 October 1998, lot 33 (dated 1865). The text of the present Qur'an, however, was written in the late Zandi period and must have been left un-illuminated when completed by the scribe in 1777.