A QUR'AN MANUSCRIPT IN THIRTY FOLIOS, PERSIA, QAJAR, 19TH CENTURY

31 leaves, 53 lines per page written in minute naskhi script in black ink. Illuminated Arabic manuscript on paper, gold dots between verses, sura headings written in red thuluth script, marginal devices marking juz', and hizb divisions, margins ruled in red, green and gold, opening double page with illuminated borders, contemporary floral lacquer binding

Good overall condition, corners of cover slightly worn away, 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."

Qur'an manuscripts written in thirty folios, in which the scribe regulates the writing of the text to fit each juz' on to one folio (two pages) were a calligraphic phenomenon of the late 18th and 19th centuries in Persia and India. They are relatively rare, and due to the amount of the text that the scribe needed to fit into a relatively small space, they are aways written in a minute, but easily legible script.

There are two notes at the beginning of the manuscript.

The first note is a pledge to an unnamed person denying rumours of misused government funds.

The second note states the [first] note was written by the minister who was in charge of finances in Isfahan to the Prime Minister, the deceased Mirza Aqa Khan [Nuri]. It also states that it was written at the time Hishmat al-Dawlah was dismissed and 'Isa Khan I'timad al-Saltana appointed as Governor of Isfahan.

This event took place in the year 1274 (1857-8), which must be the date of the first note.  That means the Qur'an must have been produced before 1274 (1857-8).