A Qur’an, Sub-Saharan Africa, probably Sudan, dated 1914

Arabic manuscript on paper, 613 leaves plus 4 flyleaves, 13 lines to the page, written in Sudani script in dark brown ink, vocalisation in red, verses separated by coloured dots, opening bifolia with polychrome geometrical decoration, 3 similar folios at the end of each quarter, brown leather binding, with flap

In good condition and complete, the margins are clean, one page split and repaired with cello-tape, another affected by a water stains on the lower left corner, the rest of the folios fairly clean and with only minor stains and tears, 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 colophon states that the present manuscript was copied from a Qur'an written by Mustafa Nahif, pupil of Hasan Efendi, under the patronage of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II (r.1876-1909).