Ma'rifetnama (An Encyclopaedic Compendium), by Ibrahim Hakki of Erzurum, Turkey, Ottoman, dated 1252 AH/1836 AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 301 leaves, 37 lines to the page, written in naskh script in black ink, margins ruled in black, red and gold, illuminated floral chapter headings throughout, illuminated opening headpiece in colours and gold with polychrome flowers, the manuscript comprising various coloured maps, tables and charts, florally illuminated colophon, red morocco binding with gilt stamped cartouches decorated with interlacing vines, with flap, fitted cloth box

In good overall condition, some abrasions to binding spine, occasional smudging and a few stains, but pages and diagrams generally clean, ink strong, 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."

The Ma'rifetnama is an encyclopaedia of cosmological topics put together by Erzurumlu Ibrahim Hakki in 1170 AH/1756-7 AD. The planispheric maps were drawn by a surveyer named only as Mustafa, and were based on the Dutch cartographer Joan Blae's (d.1673) Atlas Major. Two further copies of Hakki's Ma'rifetnama, both dating from the first quarter of the nineteenth century, can be found in the British Library (MS.Or.12964) and Nasser D. Khalili Collection, London (see Rogers 1995, pp.121 & 123, no.74).