Arts of the Islamic World and India, including Fine Rugs and Carpets

An illuminated collection of prayers, including Dala'il al-Khayrat, Sub-Saharan Africa, Sudan, early 19th century

Auction Closed

April 26, 01:36 PM GMT

Estimate

4,000 - 6,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Arabic manuscript on paper, 206 loose leaves, 9-10 lines of Sudani script in dark brown ink, keywords and phrases in red and yellow, polychrome illuminated marginal devices, 29 polychrome illuminated panels, in loose brown leather covers

16 by 11.4cm.

Please note that the geometric illuminations of this manuscript include a diagram of the tomb of the Prophet and not of the holy palaces of Mecca and Medina as stated in the printed catalogue note for this lot.

Trésors de l'Islam en Afrique, Institut de Monde Arabe, Paris, 13 April-30 July 2017.
The Islamic Treasures of Africa, IMA at Mohammed VI Museum, Bab Rouah and Bab El Kebir, Rabat, Morocco, 16 October 2019-25 February 2020.

This prayer book displays the peak of West African manuscript tradition, illuminated throughout with geometric illumination including a diagram of the tomb of the Prophet. The script used throughout the manuscript recalls the Maghribi script from which it developed but the angular form, coupled with keywords in red or rendered only by their outline creates a striking sculptural effect. This is further highlighted by the way the scribe has structured certain sections of the text in which repeated words picked out in red or rendered in outline create a balance and rhythm to the page.

A Sudanese prayer book sold at Christie's, London 18 April 2016, lot 47 and a later, early twentieth century Sudanese Qur'an sold in these rooms, 25 October 2017, lot 69.