- 44
A large Qur'an leaf in gold and black muhaqqaq script, Ilkhanid Persia or Mamluk Egypt, 14th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- ink, gold and paper
text: surah al-an'am (VI), part of verse 2 to part of verse 4
Arabic manuscript on paper, 5 lines to the page, written in bold muhaqqaq script in alternating black and gold, 2 illuminated verse markers in blue and gold, laid down on paper
Arabic manuscript on paper, 5 lines to the page, written in bold muhaqqaq script in alternating black and gold, 2 illuminated verse markers in blue and gold, laid down on paper
Condition
In fair overall condition, some abrasions to the paper, losses to top left hand corner and bottom right hand corner with associated repair, 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
This fragment of two lines from the Qur'an, written in a bold, flowing muhaqqaq script in black and gold, originates from what must have been a large and grand manuscript. This fragment is cropped to the edge of the text, and the width of the lines and size of the letters indicate that the original page, with its margins attached, must have been at least 40cm wide and 60cm tall. For several Mamluk examples of this kind see D. James, Qur'ans of the Mamluks, London, 1988, cats.28-33. A further manuscript displaying alternating black and gold muhaqqaq script is the famous Ilkhanid Qur'an produced for Sultan Uljaytu in the early fourteenth century. One of the most magnificent Qur'ans ever produced, the manuscript measures 72 by 50cm and the script has been convincingly attributed to Ahmad Ibn al-Suhrawardi, one of the pupils of Yaq'ut al-Mustasimi (see ibid, cat.40, pp.92-8, figs.53-5 and 61-3).
The use of gold script for the main text of the Qur'an from which the present leaf comes, rather than just for the opening double page, was a rare and luxurious feature, indicating an expensive and prestigious commission. That, combined with the scale of the manuscript, suggests a patron of significant wealth and status, probably a royal one.
The use of gold script for the main text of the Qur'an from which the present leaf comes, rather than just for the opening double page, was a rare and luxurious feature, indicating an expensive and prestigious commission. That, combined with the scale of the manuscript, suggests a patron of significant wealth and status, probably a royal one.