Lot 49
- 49
A book of prayers, signed by Ahmad al-Nayrizi, Persia, Safavid, dated 1112 AH/1700 AD
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- Ink on paper with lacquer
Arabic manuscript on paper, 24 leaves plus 4 flyleaves, remargined throughout in the Qajar period using multicoloured album pages, 8 lines to the page, written in naskh script in black ink, various headings in gold, opening headpiece in colours and gold, floral lacquer binding
Condition
In good overall condition, some abrasions to paper and a few stains, occasional smudges, text generally bold and clean, 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
Ahmad al-Nayziri (fl.1682-1722) was one of the most celebrated masters of naskh that Iran produced under the patronage of Shah Sulayman and Shah Sultan Husayn. His repertoire of works include numerous copies of the Qur'an, prayer books, and a Qur'anic inscription in the Chihil Sutun palace in Isfahan. His style of naskh has been aptly described as 'a particularly confident one, characterized by exceptionally well-formed letters. Vowels were given exactly the same weight as consonants, with care taken to ensure that the vowel signs were always placed at exactly the same distance above and below the consonants throughout the passage of the texts' (see Raby 1996, p.212).
A further example of his work, a single-volume Qur'an, can be found in the Nasser D. Khalili collection (see Bayani et al [Eds.] 1999, vol.IV, pg.128, fol.53).
A further example of his work, a single-volume Qur'an, can be found in the Nasser D. Khalili collection (see Bayani et al [Eds.] 1999, vol.IV, pg.128, fol.53).