A LARGE QUR'AN LEAF IN MUHAQQAQ SCRIPT ON PAPER, EGYPT, MAMLUK, CIRCA 3RD QUARTER OF 14TH CENTURY

Text: Surat Al-Bayyinah (xcviii), v.1 - Surat Al-Qari'ah (ci), v.1
Arabic manuscript folio, ink, opaque watercolor and gold on cream paper, 12 lines per page written in bold muhaqqaq script, verse divisions marked with gold rosettes, further text divisions marked in margins with illuminated roundels, sura headings written in white or gold thuluth script on large and finely illuminated panels

Adrienne Minassian, New York, 1955

In good overall condition, slight horizontal crease to upper and lower edges, a few losses to the gold, and areas of red and white paint, 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 dispersed Qur'an from which this leaf originates is a fine example of Mamluk manuscript production at its height in the second half of the 14th century. The leaves are large, the paper is thick and well-burnished, the script is a handsome muhaqqaq displaying strong rhythm, and the illumination is finely executed, with large panels for the sura headings (there are three on this folio).

The preceeding leaf to this one is in the Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. (F.1930.58), and it bears the sura heading to Surat al-Bayyinah, of which the present leaf bears the Bismillah and the subsequent text. Three other leaves from the same Qur'an are also in the Freer Gallery of Art, while others are in the Aga Khan Museum Collection (formerly in the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Collection) and the David Collection, Copenhagen. Others have been sold in these rooms 23 April 1997, lots 57 and 58, 14 December 1987, lot 207, 23 May 1986, lot 262, 12 October 1981, lot 145 and 28 April 1981, lot 190. For illustrations of the Freer folios see Atil 1975, pp.98-99; for illustration of the David Collection folio see von Folsach 2001, p.59.