A large illuminated Qur'an, Persia or Central Asia, Safavid, 16th century

Arabic manuscript on polished paper, 297 leaves plus a flyleaf, 13 lines to the page, written in naskh script in black ink, verses separated by segmented gold roundels encircled in blue, catchwords, surah headings in gold thuluth script in cloud bands against a hatched ground, marginal devices composed of a scrolling central vine on a blue ground enclosed within a wreath against a gold ground, opening double page illuminated frontispiece in colours and gold, composed of interlacing scrolling floral vines against blue and green grounds, text within cloud bands against a hatched ground filled with blue cintamani motifs, brown morocco binding with applied moulded central panels filled with interlocking circular cartouches, interlacing vines and birds, filigree-work doublures, with flap 

In good overall condition, binding worn and spine repaired, pages generally clean and illumination bright, thumbed, minor water stains, 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."