text: surah al-ma’idah (V), end of verse 64 to beginning of verse 66
Arabic manuscript on paper, 2 leaves, 3 lines to the page, written in bold muhaqqaq script in black ink, interlinear Persian translation in black, polychrome and gold verse markers, illuminated rosettes applied within text area, border decoration of scrolling gold foliate motifs and Kufic script in blue and red, geometric design added later on the corners, framed 

Philip Hofer, Cambridge, Ma. (1898-1984).
Rudi Riefstahl.
R. Meyer-Riefstahl.

In generally good overall condition, some minor losses to leaf edges with associated repair affecting only the geometrical design of one corner, small various stains, annotation of number of surah and verses in pencil on the top edge, some smudges to the ink but the calligraphy remains bold, 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.
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Leaves from this well known Qur'an section have been convincingly linked to a thirty-volume manuscript of circa 1335 AD of Anatolian or Central Asian origin (James 1988, pp.173-4, cat. nos.58-60) which, although devoid of the decorative border and surrounding Kufic script, has an interlinear Persian translation arranged in the same manner and in the same hand. Previously, these leaves had often been ascribed to Sultanate India (e.g. Falk 1985, no.116). The Kufic script and decorative schemes around the borders are not contemporary with the muhaqqaq script of the Qur'anic text, but were probably added in the post medieval period, perhaps in Central Asia. The present bifolium is a particularly handsome example of this interesting manuscript, and bifolia are much rarer than single folios. A further bifolium was sold in these rooms, 6 April 2011, The Stuart Cary Welch Collection, Part One, lot 27.

Other leaves from the same Qur'an are now in museums and private collections including the British Libr𓄧ary, the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, the Freer 🐟Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., the Rietberg Museum, Zurich, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Nasser D Khalili Collection, London. For further discussion see James 1988, pp.173-4, cat. nos.58-60; Arberry 1967, pl.48; Losty 1986, no.5; James 1992a, no.51.