- 201
An Illuminated Ottoman Qur'an, copied by Fatima Bint Abdullah and illuminated by Manal Kucuk, Mecca, dated 1259 AH/1843 AD
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description
- bound book
Arabic manuscript on paper, 156 leaves, plus 1 flyleaf, 30 lines to the page, written in two adjoined spheres of 15 lines each, in small naskh script in black ink, ruled in blue and gold, sura headings in black on gold ground cartouches in red panels, marginal illuminations in colours and gold issuing floral sprays, two opening illuminated double page frontispieces decorated in the rococo style with polychrome flowers on solid gold grounds, the opening page with depictions of Mecca and Medina, illuminated finispiece with colophon, later brown morocco binding decorated with gold rococo scrolls, with flap
Condition
In very good overall condition, illumination in excellent condition, two leaves with minor tears to the top edge, pages 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."
"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
Whilst neither scribe is recorded, Manal is a female name and Kucuk means 'small' or 'junior'. Therefore, it appears that the present manuscript represents a rare collaboration of two women in the production of a Qur'an, copied at Mecca. The format is also unusual, and the depictions of Mecca and Medina in the opening frontispiece can be compared to a further Ottoman Qur'an sold in these rooms, 14 April 2010, lot 18.