text: surah al-nisa (IV), verse 148 to surah al-ma’idah (V), end of verse 82
Arabic manuscript on paper, 27 leaves plus 3 flyleaves, 7 lines to the page, written in bold muhaqqaq script in black ink, verses separated by gold roundels, margins ruled in gold, green, red and blue, gold and polychrome illuminated devices in the margins, the bismillah and the word Allah picked out in gold throughout, surah headings in gold ink within a cartouche decorated with polychrome floral scrolls, opening double page frontispiece in colours and gold, the text in lines of alternating black and gold within cloud bands reserved against a similarly illuminated ground, original morocco binding with large gilt-stamped decoration, the doublures with gilded filigree-work spandrels and central medallion over green, blue and yellow grounds, with flap

In good overall condition, the margins are clean, occasionally water staining and smudges to the ink throughout the pages but overall the calligraphy is clean and well preserved, the opening bifolium and the subsequent two bifolia with the lower corners smudged and repaired, a restoration on the lower inner folio of the opening which does not affect the illumination. The original binding in very good condition, with only minor damages mainly to the border, the largest damage has area not wider than 1.7 by 1.2cm., the inside gilded découpé spandrels and central medallions with the original colour although some areas are missing, 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."

Other sections from this thirty-volume Qur’an have been sold in these rooms, 11 October 1982, lot 182; 16 April 1984, lot 193; 15 October 1984, lot 253; 9 October 2013, lot 63, and at Christie’s London, 8 April 2008, lot 193 and 23 April 2012, lot 61.