An illuminated miniature octagonal Qur'an, copied by Da'ud ibn Abdullah, Turkey, Istanbul, Ottoman, 16th century

Arabic manuscript on gold-sprinkled paper, 189 leaves plus 2 flyleaves, 12 lines to the page, written in minute ghubari script in black ink, surah headings in black on gold illuminated panels, margins ruled in gold, black and blue, with folio numbers in red above the text panels, opening double-page frontispiece and the finispiece illuminated in polychrome and gold comprising elegant floral and foliate scrolls surrounding the text panels, the gilt-stamped leather binding with scrolling arabesques, in nielloed silver fitted case

4.8 by 5cm.

Condition Report:
Small tears and losses to paper mainly in the margins, some folios with repairs, stains and smudges, small losses to the illumination, the binding with some wear, the silver case with some wear, encrustation and tarnish, 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."