- 61
A manual of astrological calculations (hemerology), probably Baghdad or Western Persia, 13th Century
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Arabic manuscript on thick cream paper
Arabic manuscript on thick cream paper, 79 leaves plus 4 flyleaves, red morocco binding
Provenance
15th/early 16th century seal impression of a certain 'Dawud'
Condition
In generally good overall condition, binding worn and spine repaired, some minor losses to leaf edges, small stains and a few pages loose towards the end, thumbed, 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
The present manuscript represents an early and important astrological guide produced as a presentation copy for Iqbal 'Abdallah al-Nabawi al-Must'asimi, the son of the last 'Abbasid Caliph al-Musta'sim. The author states in the introduction:
"I dedicated this book as a service for the library of our Master, the greatest Sultan, the most Merciful and Mighty King, Sharaf al-Dunya wa'l-Din...Iqbal 'Abdallah al-Nabawi al-Must'asimi, relative of the Commander of the Faithful."
The volume has clearly been made as a personal manual, presumably using exant sources, for a particular individual, and the quality of the paper, design and calligraphy attest to this prestigious commission. The hand of the calligrapher and quality of the paper can be compared to various literary and scientific works of early thirteenth-century Baghdad, including a copy of a 'Description and Uses of Animals' and the qanun al-mas'udi, both in the British Library (see Arabic Treasures of the British Library: From Alexandria to Baghdad and Beyond, London, 2003, nos.XIII-XVI, XXII).
The manuscript is split into two parts, the first of which is entitled Ikhtiyar al-awqat al-zamaniyyah li'l-a'mal al-kulliyah ('The Choosing of Propitious Times for All Manner of Deeds') and comprises instructions on divining auspicious and inauspicious moments for various activities by astrological means (hemerology). The second work within the manuscript is Kitab fihi al-qur'ah al-ma'muniyya li-ikhraj al-dama'ir ('The Book of Reliable Lot-casting for the Extraction of Inner Thoughts'). This is also a work on hemerology and charts of numerous activities are accompanied by circular diagrams showing the corresponding astrological signs and planets.
"I dedicated this book as a service for the library of our Master, the greatest Sultan, the most Merciful and Mighty King, Sharaf al-Dunya wa'l-Din...Iqbal 'Abdallah al-Nabawi al-Must'asimi, relative of the Commander of the Faithful."
The volume has clearly been made as a personal manual, presumably using exant sources, for a particular individual, and the quality of the paper, design and calligraphy attest to this prestigious commission. The hand of the calligrapher and quality of the paper can be compared to various literary and scientific works of early thirteenth-century Baghdad, including a copy of a 'Description and Uses of Animals' and the qanun al-mas'udi, both in the British Library (see Arabic Treasures of the British Library: From Alexandria to Baghdad and Beyond, London, 2003, nos.XIII-XVI, XXII).
The manuscript is split into two parts, the first of which is entitled Ikhtiyar al-awqat al-zamaniyyah li'l-a'mal al-kulliyah ('The Choosing of Propitious Times for All Manner of Deeds') and comprises instructions on divining auspicious and inauspicious moments for various activities by astrological means (hemerology). The second work within the manuscript is Kitab fihi al-qur'ah al-ma'muniyya li-ikhraj al-dama'ir ('The Book of Reliable Lot-casting for the Extraction of Inner Thoughts'). This is also a work on hemerology and charts of numerous activities are accompanied by circular diagrams showing the corresponding astrological signs and planets.