A double page frontispiece from a large Qur'an, Turkey, Ottoman, 15th century

text: surah al-nisa' (IV), beginning of surah to part of verse 25
Arabic manuscript on paper, comprising 2 leaves, each 3 lines to the page, written in alternating blue and gold muhaqqaq script, heading panels in white ornamental eastern Kufic script in white against blue-ground panels decorated with gold scrolling split-palmettes, gold strapwork borders, reverse of f.2 with 5 lines of blue and gold text, ruled in blue

In fairly good overall condition, marginal paper repairs, creasing, some losses to coloured areas, minor losses to outer margins, 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."

This double page frontispiece from juz five of the Qur'an comes from a grand Qur'an written in thirty sections in the first half of the fifteenth century. It is an important example of early Ottoman manuscript production, relating stylistically to late Mamluk Qur'ans, especially in the basic layout and the fine muhaqqaq script. The strong, flowing rhythm is enhanced by the use of alternate lines of blue and gold ink.

Other leaves and sections from this Qur'an have been sold in these rooms, 29 October 1998, lot 28; 15 October 1997, lot 13 and 30 April 1992, lot 434.