Historic Quran manuscript from Ottoman royalty to star in Islamic auction

Sotheby’s London is preparing for a major auction on April 24, 2024, which will feature The Belgrave Collection – a meticulously assembled showcase of Islamic and Indian art collected over 40 years.

Among the highlights is an illuminated Quran manuscript, significant both for its historical value and exquisite craftsmanship.

The Quran was commissioned by Munire Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Abdulmejid I of the Ottoman Empire, and crafted by the esteemed calligrapher Ibrahim Hakki. It is dated 19 Rabi' I 1277 A.H. (Oct. 5, 1860 A.D.) and showcases the rich artistic traditions of the Ottoman court.

The manuscript measures 37.9 by 26.4 centimeters and comprises 256 leaves. Each page features 15 lines of elegant naskh script, beautifully outlined in gold, red, and black. Gold and polychrome foliate motifs separate the verses, and surah headings are presented in white on gold and colorful illuminated panels.

The opening bifolio draws immediate attention with its rococo-style illumination surrounding the text, exemplifying the opulent use of gold and floral motifs typical of the period. The manuscript's colophon indicates that it was endowed to Munire Sultan’s husband, Ibrahim Ilhami Pasha, after his untimely death in a boating accident on the Bosphorus at the beginning of 1860.

Experts at Sotheby’s estimate the auction price for this exceptional piece to be between $86,700 and $111,400, reflecting its rarity and the profound historical and artistic value it holds.

The auction is expected to attract collectors and enthusiasts eager to acquire a piece of history that links over 1200 years of Islamic and cultural heritage across regions from North Africa to China.

Source: Newsroom