- 100
A Fatimid stone stele in the name of 'Ibn Ahmad Ibn Ibrahim Ibn Salama', Egypt or Syria, dated 339 AH/950 AD
Estimate
15,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description
- stone
of rectangular form, carved in relief with nine lines of text in Kufic script on one side and the other side with seven lines of Kufic script
Provenance
Formerly in the collection of Mr Emile Noujaïm (1927-2007), professor of Oriental philosophy at the University of Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon.
Exhibited
Galerie Jadis, Regency Intercontinental, Bahrain, under the patronage of the Minister of Information and Baït Al Qur’an, December 1985
Condition
In general good condition, some abrasions and chips to external edges, one side with some rubbing to surface and some encrustation near base, 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
inscriptions
Tombstone of a certain al-Husayn Ibn Ahmad Ibn Ibrahim Ibn Salman who died on Sunday first of rabi’ al-awwal the year 339 (18 August 950AD). The inscription on the back (unclear) seems to be a prayer for him and is contemporary with the front.
This funeral stele presents the classical aspect of tombstones at the early stages of Islam. The angular style of the Kufic script is enhanced at the upper stem of each character which reaches the extremity in a slightly inclined bevel. Some letters even end with a foliate terminal, distinctive of the tenth century.
The inscription on the face of the stele begins in accordance with the conventions of the time. Starting with the bismallah, the traditional benedictory formula, the inscription then cites the names of the deceased as well as the date of death. On the reverse there are verses of the Qu’ran, are epitaphs designating the name of the deceased and a testimony of his faith to God.
This type of gravestone appeared very early in the Muslim world despite some which emphasised sobriety and humility around the tomb. Numerous examples today are documented and preserved in important collections of Islamic Art.
Tombstone of a certain al-Husayn Ibn Ahmad Ibn Ibrahim Ibn Salman who died on Sunday first of rabi’ al-awwal the year 339 (18 August 950AD). The inscription on the back (unclear) seems to be a prayer for him and is contemporary with the front.
This funeral stele presents the classical aspect of tombstones at the early stages of Islam. The angular style of the Kufic script is enhanced at the upper stem of each character which reaches the extremity in a slightly inclined bevel. Some letters even end with a foliate terminal, distinctive of the tenth century.
The inscription on the face of the stele begins in accordance with the conventions of the time. Starting with the bismallah, the traditional benedictory formula, the inscription then cites the names of the deceased as well as the date of death. On the reverse there are verses of the Qu’ran, are epitaphs designating the name of the deceased and a testimony of his faith to God.
This type of gravestone appeared very early in the Muslim world despite some which emphasised sobriety and humility around the tomb. Numerous examples today are documented and preserved in important collections of Islamic Art.