Lot 17
  • 17

An Illuminated Qur'an, Persia, Safavid, first half 16th century

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 GBP
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Description

  • Ink, Gouache & Gold on Paper
Arabic manuscript on cream paper, 268 leaves, 14 lines to the page, written in neat Naskhi script in black ink, verses separated by small gold roundels embellished with a red and blue dots, surah headings in gold Thuluth within cloudbands against a gold ground, flanked by side panels of polychrome floral decoration, margins ruled in colours and gold, tenth verses marked by illuminated roundels in the margin outlined in blue with the word 'ashr written in gold against a blue floral ground, opening double page illuminated frontispiece, comprising various rectangular panels filled with dense and intricate interlacing flowers and scrollng motifs, opening sura headings in white Thuluth against scrolling blue tendrils on a gold ground, text written within cloudbands against a gold ground sprinkled with polychrome flowers, gold florets between the verses, later lacquer binding with red doublures, covers decorated with dense flowering foliage 

Condition

In good overall condition, later laquer binding, opening double page with rubbed leaf edges and repairs to bottom edge, some other pages with a few small repairs to the edges, pages generally clean, gold bright, 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."