Quran manuscript from Ottoman royalty fetches $143K at auction

A Quran manuscript commissioned by Munire Sultan, daughter of Ottoman Sultan Abdulmejid I, sold for $143,000 at a Sotheby's auction in London.

The manuscript, created by the celebrated calligrapher Ibrahim Hakki Efendi in 1860, stood out at the Islamic World and Indian Arts auction, capturing the attention of collectors with its exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance.

Despite its estimated price of $86,700 and $111,400, the manuscript sold for an impressive $143,000. This Quran, measuring 37.9 by 26.4 centimeters with 256 leaves of elegant naskh script, is distinguished by its rococo-style illumination in gold, which surrounds the text with floral motifs typical of the period.

The manuscript's colophon reveals it was endowed to Munire Sultan’s husband, Ibrahim Ilhami Pasha, following his death in a boating accident on the Bosphorus at the start of 1860.

The auction also featured other significant Ottoman items. A set of agate cups adorned with precious stones sold for $427,850, a fountain from the Tulip Period reached $113,800, and a gilded copper candlestick from the era of Suleiman the Magnificent achieved $603,050.

However, not all items found buyers. The naval lantern of Koca Sinan Pasha did not sell. This piece, dating back to 1574, is renowned for its intricate tombak craftsmanship and historical importance. It features designs inspired by Iznik pottery and exemplifies the era's artistic and cultural achievements.

The auction drew widespread interest due to The Belgrave Collection, which includes over 40 years of assembled Islamic and Indian art. The Quran manuscript, in particular, stood out not only for its artistic value but also for its deep historical roots, linking collectors to over 1200 years of Islamic heritage stretching from North Africa to China.

Source: Newsroom