'Abd al-Mu'in (known as Lutfi Pasha, d.1564), Asafname, Turkey, Ottoman, circa 1630

Ottoman Turkish manuscript on different coloured papers, 269 leaves plus 23 flyleaves, 27 lines to the page, written in different diwani and ta'liq scripts in black and red ink, brown leather binding with gilt-stamped floral medallions, with ebru doublures 

In good overall condition, binding slightly worn, occasional paper tears and paper repairs, some stains and smudges, pages generally clean, 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."

The author of the present work, 'Abd al-Mu'in, is better known as Lutfi Pasha, the grand vizier of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent between 1539 and 1541. He wrote twenty-one works in total, on the subjects of Islamic theology, ethics and history, including the Tawarikh-i Al-i Osman and Asafname. The latter work represents a catalogue of the ministers and counsels from Lutfi Pasha's wide experience of government administration, as well as a short list of his political reforms.

The present manuscript contains the full text of the work, as well as a summary of Ottoman court events between 1597 and 1627. For other copies of the work, see R. Tschudi, Das Asafname des Lutfi Pasha, Leipzig, 1910.

Notes at the beginning of the manuscript state that it was among the effects and property of Sheyda (Şeyda) Efendi, the reisülküttab (Chief Secretary) under Mahmud II (r.1808-39) and that it was acquired by a certain Seyyid Mehmed Rasim, katib (secretary) of the Imperial Land Registry (defterhane-i amire) on 17 Muharram 1241 AH/16 August 1826.