- 87
ZAKARIYA IBN MUHAMMAD IBN MAHMUD AL-QAZWINI (D.1283 AD), AJA'IB AL-MAKHLUQAT ('ON THE WONDERS OF CREATION'), INDIA, MUGHAL, LATE 17TH/18TH CENTURY |
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- 26 by 14cm.
Persian manuscript on paper, 252 leaves, 23 lines to the page written in black nasta’liq, numerous illustrations throughout, in brown leather binding with stamped decoration consisting of a central floral ground framed by geometrical decoration
Condition
In overall good condition, the margins have been trimmed but are clean and the binding is a later association, minor holes and rubbing, minor restoration to the paper, 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
Zakariya ibn Mohammed ibn Mahmud al-Qazwini was born in Qazwin, Persia, in 600 AH/1203 AD. He moved to Damascus and later settled in Iraq where he was appointed Qadi (Chief Judge) of Wasit and Hilla. The ‘Aja’ib al-makhluqat wa ghara’ib al-maujunad is divided into two sections, one on cosmology and the other on geography, describing firstly how the world was created and then listing the elements and creatures who dwell therein. The book combined different sources, and often described fantastical creatures and beasts, mixing reality with myth.
This book, originally written in Arabic, became enormously popular and was translated into Persian and Turkish. Another copy, similar in style and attributed to late-seventeenth century India, is now in the Fogg Art Museum/Harvard University, inv. no.1972.3. A further copy, dated 976 AH/1568 AD and also from North India, is housed in the Islamic Art Museum, Malaysia, inv. no.IAMM 2011.7.40.
This book, originally written in Arabic, became enormously popular and was translated into Persian and Turkish. Another copy, similar in style and attributed to late-seventeenth century India, is now in the Fogg Art Museum/Harvard University, inv. no.1972.3. A further copy, dated 976 AH/1568 AD and also from North India, is housed in the Islamic Art Museum, Malaysia, inv. no.IAMM 2011.7.40.