An Illuminated Ottoman Miniature Signed by 'Abdullah Bukhari, Turkey, circa 1740

gouache heightened with gold on paper, depicting a lady reclining against a red cushion deocrated with floral sprays, the man kneeling in brown robes, signed at lower left, set within ebru borders ruled in gold

In good overall condition, the man's face has been retouched where a moustache had previously been added later, a few very minor stains, 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."

Alongside Levni, 'Abdullah Bukhari (flourished 1725-50s) was one of the two great painters of eighteenth-century Turkey. Whilst he mainly painted scenes for collectors' albums including fine depictions of flowers (see following lot), he was also a specialist in the painting of women. Although erotic imagery was well outside the vogue of European painting at the time, it was considered perfectly reasonable subject matter amongst the foremost Turkish painters of the day. A comparable album page, once in the collections of Jean Pozzi and Edwin Binney III, is published in Binney 1979, pp.104-6, no.67.