Lot 183
  • 183

An Illuminated Mamluk Qur'an Juz, Signed by Touti, Egypt or Syria, 14th century

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description

  • ink on paper bound
text: surah al-fatiha (I) to surah al-baqarah (II), end of verse 134
Arabic manuscript on thick cream paper, 33 leaves, plus two flyleaves, 7 lines to the page written in muhhaqaq script in black ink, verses separated by illuminated florets pointed in red and blue, two opening double page illuminated frontispieces in blue, red and gold scrolling flowers and foliage, illuminated colophon, contemporary tooled leather binding with vestiges of gilding, with flap

Condition

In fairly good overall condition, some paper repairs to leaf edges, opening folio with some rubbing to illumination, some stains and minor smudges, but paper generally clean and ink bold, 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

The principal elements of the opening double illumination - text in white kufic over a blue ground decorated with flowers in circular arabesques - are typical of Mamluk illuminations of this period: compare James, The Master Scribes, London 1992, item 36, pp.152-3, dated 1330-40.