Description:

EARLY 16TH CENTURY MANUSCRIPT BOOK OTTOMAN, ISTANBUL TARIKHNAME ;ABU ALI MUHAMMAD BIN MUHAMMAD AL-BALAMI DATED RAJAB AH940/ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1534AD SIGNED INAYATULLAH BIN NURULLAH BIN SHAYKH ABDULLAH



This strikingly beautiful early 16th-century Ottoman manuscript, originating from Istanbul, is a stunning example of Islamic art and literature. The manuscript features intricate illuminations with vibrant hues of blue and gold, showcasing the mastery of Ottoman calligraphers and artists of the period. The decorative motifs are rich with floral and geometric patterns, reflecting the traditional Islamic aesthetic. The text is meticulously hand-scribed, framed by ornate borders that add to the manuscript’s visual appeal. The use of gold leaf highlights the importance and reverence of the text it encases.

Bound in a traditional leather cover, the manuscript exudes an aura of historical significance. The cover is adorned with an embossed medallion, indicative of its prestigious origin. The pages exhibit a patina consistent with their age, yet the illuminations remain vivid, a testament to the quality of materials and craftsmanship. This manuscript not only serves as a literary treasure but also as an exquisite artifact of cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated artistic practices of the Ottoman Empire.

DATED RAJAB AH940/ JANUARY- FEBRUARY 1534AD SIGNED INAYATULLAH BIN NURULLAH BIN SHAYKH ABDULLAH A translation and bridgment of al- Tabari’s celebrated Annals of the Prophets and Kings, Persian manuscripton paper, 555ff. plus six flyleaves, each


Provenance: Christie’s 25 October 2018 lot 203


folio with 25ll. of elegant Ottoman black naskh, text within gold and blue rules, numerous words picked out in gold, red, orange brown and blue, catchwords, paginated, opening shamsa stating the manuscript belonged to treasury of Suleman the Magnificent(r. 1520- 66),followed by a finely illuminated opening bifolio, one further illuminated headpiece, colophon with signature and date, in brown Morocco with blind tooled cusped central medallion, cream paper doublures The illumination of this manuscript is typical of the reign of Suleman the Magnificent (r. 1520-66),as suggested by the proliferation of small rosettes and petalled flower heads against the deep blue background. See Topkapi Sarayi Museum, Qur’an; signed by court artist Kara Memi 1554-5 Qur’an; signed by Ahmad Karahisari dated 1547 It is also exceptional as it bears a dedication to the library of Sultan Sulayman . Balami’s Tarikhnama was undoubtedly higly regarded by the Ottomans as this manuscript was produced to enter the Sultan’s library.


Folio 25,6 x 15,7 cm ,
Text 16 x 9 cm

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June 18, 2025 1:00 PM BST
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