Lot 167
  • 167

An eight-page section from a Qur'an in Kufic Script on Vellum, North Africa or Near East, 9th century AD

Estimate
80,000 - 100,000 GBP
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Description

  • Vellum
text: surah muhammad (XXVI), end of verse 34 to surah al-hujurat (XLIX), part of verse 1
Arabic manuscript on vellum, 13-14 lines to the page written in elongated Kufic script in black ink, vocalisation in the form of red dots, verses marked by triangular clusters comprising three dots, larger floral medallions marking the fifth and tenth verses, three surah headings written in gold, the final incorporating an elaborate gold geometric device in the margin embellished with a leafy branch, with wide outer margins

Condition

In good overall condition, ink slightly faded on hair side of vellum leaves, a few minor stains, otherwise vellum clean and fresh and ink bold, gold bright, untrimmed outer margins, 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."

Catalogue Note

This Qur'an fragment, comprising eight leaves, originates from an unusual manuscript which in its entirety must have been of exceptional quality. The execution of the text accords to Déroche's 'group F' in his categorisation of early Arabic scripts used for copying the Qur'an (see F. Déroche, The Abbasid Tradition, London, 1992, p.42). The characteristics of this style are a consistent mashq, or 'stretching' of the letter forms, which Déroche notes is a feature typical of leaves from Damascus. Other characteristics of the individual letters are a relatively extenuated alif, a predominently circular mim, and the almost symmetrical shape of the lam-alif form.

Two further leaves from this Qur'an were sold in these rooms 6 October 2010, lots 1 and 2.