A fine illuminated Ottoman Qur'an, copied by court calligrapher al-Sayyid Ali Hamdi Efendi, Turkey, dated 1251 AH/1835 AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 303 leaves plus 3 flyleaves, 15 lines to the page, written in naskh script in black ink, verses separated by gold roundels, catchwords, various illuminated marginal devices, surah headings in white against floral gold panels, opening double-page illuminated frontispiece comprising interlacing split-palmettes against a thick gold ground of vegetation, tooled leather binding with large gold flowerhead and saz leaf decoration, later flap  

In generally good overall condition, some pages coming loose and binding in need of stabilising, some wear to outer binding, pages clean and fresh, 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."

Al-Sayyid Ali Hamdi Efendi (d.1868)

Ali Hamdi Efendi studied calligraphy under the supervision of master Deli Osman ('the Mad'). He taught hadith (the science of the sayings of the Prophet) in the Fatih Mosque in Istanbul. He became the calligraphy tutor of the Topkapi Palace and signed his name katib al-saray al-sultani ('calligrapher of the Sultan’s palace'). He died in 1868.