Two large Qur'an leaves in muhaqqaq script, Persia, Safavid, mid-16th century

text: sura al-an'am (VI), part of verse 146 to part of verse 156; surah al-nahl (XVI), part of verse 26 to part of 39
12 lines per page written in alternating lines of fine black and gold muhaqqaq script, the paper sprinkled green or brown, interlinear rules in blue, gold florets decorated with coloured dots between verses, margins ruled in colours and gold, large illuminated medallions in margins marking fifth and tenth verses

In generally good overall condition, minor worm holes to outer margins, small paper repairs, pages generally clean and illumination bright, 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 leaf comes from a dispersed manuscript of the Qur'an which was typical of the high-quality production at Persian cities such as Shiraz in the second half of the sixteenth century. Muhaqqaq was a favoured script for the writing of the Qur'an at this stage, due to its powerful flowing form and rhythm, but writing it in alternating lines of black and gold was more unusual, indicating a more expensive and high-quality production, and the use of green and brown sprinkling, to give the paper variegated colour, was an extremely rare feature. As a complete Qur'an, it must have been a very impressive manuscript. Other leaves have been sold in these rooms, 3 May, 2001, lot 13; 23 November 1976, lots 317-9; 3 May 1977, lot 96-100; 18 July 1978, lots 177-9; 9 October 1978, lots 3-4, 24 April 1979, lots 229-235, 23 April 1997, lot 44 and 15 October 1998, lot 29.