A Mamluk Calligraphic Wood Panel, Syria, circa 1300 AD

of rectangular form with a central carved calligraphic band surmounted by a panel of repeating palmette motifs, interlacing geometric roundels with floral scrolls to each end set against a 'Y' motif ground, bordered by a thin decorative frieze

Fragment in fair condition, some cracks and abrasions consistent with age, calligraphy bold and strong, worm holes to edges, 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."

inscriptions

Qur'an, chapter III (Al 'Imran), part of verse 186.

This carved beam displays a bold thuluth calligraphy combined with rigorous decorative motifs which can be paralleled with other media of the period in the late thirteenth century. In metalwork: a silver-inlaid basin (circa 1300) in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, displays a comparable slightly-understated thuluth script against a ground of large scrolling vines, as well as the end-roundels filled with keyfret motifs (see Atil 1981, pp.68-69, no.18). This same 'Y' motif can also be seen in the illumination of the Qur'an produced for Baybars al-Jashnagir, now in the British Library (Add.MS.22406), dated 704-6 AH/1304-6 AD. It was a decorative device particularly associated with the illuminator Muhammad Ibn Mubadir and can be seen on the opening page of text to volume four, folio 2v, as well as one of the second pair of finispieces, on folio 293v (see James 1988, pp.52-53, figs.26 and 28). For a related example in wood, see a beam carved with inscriptions from the early fourteenth century in the Musée Arabe du Caire (published in J. David-Weill, Catalogue Général du Musée Arabe du Caire, vol.II, Cairo, 1936, pls.IV & V, no.7851).