- 71
A rare mufredat signed by Sheker-Zade Mehmed Efendi (d.1753), Turkey, dated 1104 AH/1692 AD
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description
- ink and paper
composed of 24 panels of calligraphy in 2 columns, each with 3 lines of thuluth and naskh script, with one illuminated heading, colophon with illuminated florets, mounted and framed
Condition
In generally good overall condition, some minor smudges to ink, a few light stains, some panels with wear to edges, 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
Ottoman calligraphic albums of mufredat comprise both the independent and combined forms of letters, short prayers and the bismillah. Such albums originated as exercises but they continued to serve as models for those studying calligraphy. The recognition and mastering of the correct letter forms were not only practical exercises for the student of calligraphy, but also a general lesson in aesthetics. The present album, consisting of twenty-four qit'as, is a masterpiece of court calligrapher Sheker-zade Mehmed Efendi (d.1753).
Sheker-zade Mehmed Efendi
Born in Manisa, Sheker-zade Isma'il Efendi studied calligraphy first with Ibrahim Kirimi (d.1737) and then with the famous Yedikuleli Seyyid Abdullah Efendi (d.1731). He copied the holy Qur'an, single pieces and albums. Sheker-zade was very skilled with imitation, and he was encouraged by Sultan Ahmed III (r.1703-30) to stay for a few years in Medina where he imitated a manuscript of the Qur'an by Shaykh Hamdullah Efendi (d.1520) bequeathed to the Prophet's tomb (al-Rawda al-Mutahhara). Upon his return to Istanbul, he apparently presented this manuscript to the then-reigning Sultan Mahmud I (r.1730-54). It is now preserved in the Suleymaniye Library (Yeni Camii K.3) in Istanbul, and is the first copy of the Qur'an ever officially printed (1874) in Ottoman history.
Sheker-zade was a calligraphy instructor to the members of the Sultan's privy court and also taught at his house, near the Ayasofya Mosque. He died in March 1753, and like many other calligraphers, was buried near Shaykh Hamdullah's grave in the Karacaahmed cemetery, Istanbul.
Sheker-zade Mehmed Efendi
Born in Manisa, Sheker-zade Isma'il Efendi studied calligraphy first with Ibrahim Kirimi (d.1737) and then with the famous Yedikuleli Seyyid Abdullah Efendi (d.1731). He copied the holy Qur'an, single pieces and albums. Sheker-zade was very skilled with imitation, and he was encouraged by Sultan Ahmed III (r.1703-30) to stay for a few years in Medina where he imitated a manuscript of the Qur'an by Shaykh Hamdullah Efendi (d.1520) bequeathed to the Prophet's tomb (al-Rawda al-Mutahhara). Upon his return to Istanbul, he apparently presented this manuscript to the then-reigning Sultan Mahmud I (r.1730-54). It is now preserved in the Suleymaniye Library (Yeni Camii K.3) in Istanbul, and is the first copy of the Qur'an ever officially printed (1874) in Ottoman history.
Sheker-zade was a calligraphy instructor to the members of the Sultan's privy court and also taught at his house, near the Ayasofya Mosque. He died in March 1753, and like many other calligraphers, was buried near Shaykh Hamdullah's grave in the Karacaahmed cemetery, Istanbul.