- 25
A Qur’an folium in Kufic script on vellum, North Africa or Near East, 9th century
Estimate
8,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
- ink on vellum
text: surah al-talaq (LXV), middle of verse 6 to middle of verse 7
Arabic manuscript on vellum, 7 lines to the page written in large Kufic script in black ink, diacritics and vowels points indicated by large red dot, verse separated by gold half-palmette, numbered in the outer margins in Arabic and Persian numerals, framed
Arabic manuscript on vellum, 7 lines to the page written in large Kufic script in black ink, diacritics and vowels points indicated by large red dot, verse separated by gold half-palmette, numbered in the outer margins in Arabic and Persian numerals, framed
Condition
In fairly good overall condition, minor stains and a small tear to the edge, some rubbing to the ink but the calligraphy remains bold, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Produced in North Africa when Qu'ran production was at its apogée, these Qur'an folios are recognisable for their strong and disciplined hand, as well as the exaggerated mashq that is present here. Other sections from this Qu'ran are in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin (James 1980, p.18, no.5), The Iran Bastan Museum, Tehran (Ms. 4289, Lings 1976, no.5), and the Pars Museum, Shiraz.
Various other folios from this Qu'ran displaying the same strong aesthetic features have come to auction, including a leaf sold in these rooms 19 October 2016, lot 152; 20 April 2015, lot 2; 5 October 2011, lot 54; 14 April 2010, lots 1 & 5; 1 April 2009, lot 2; two further leaves bearing the illuminated headings of surah al-Lahab (CXI) and surah al-Falaq (CXIII), 9 April 2008, lot 13 and a leaf of the surah Nuh sold in these rooms, 24 October 2007, lot 4. A bifolium was sold in these rooms 24 April 2013, lot 3.
Various other folios from this Qu'ran displaying the same strong aesthetic features have come to auction, including a leaf sold in these rooms 19 October 2016, lot 152; 20 April 2015, lot 2; 5 October 2011, lot 54; 14 April 2010, lots 1 & 5; 1 April 2009, lot 2; two further leaves bearing the illuminated headings of surah al-Lahab (CXI) and surah al-Falaq (CXIII), 9 April 2008, lot 13 and a leaf of the surah Nuh sold in these rooms, 24 October 2007, lot 4. A bifolium was sold in these rooms 24 April 2013, lot 3.