Sotheby’s auctions Islamic art pieces, rare Qurans

New York-based firm Sotheby’s is auctioning over 200 works of art produced under the aegis of multiple Islamic Empires on April 25.

New York-based firm Sotheby’s is auctioning over 200 works of art produced under the aegis of multiple Islamic Empires on April 25.

These pieces were produced over three continents within a period of 1,200 years. 

Some of the prominent works on offer are exceptionally rare pieces hailing from prestigious private collections, including an exquisite panel of Timurid tiles, an Iznik pottery pilgrim flask, and three highly important early manuscripts on astronomy, mathematics and medicine.

The sale also offers various Quran art pieces including a rare and finely decorated Quran leaf in eastern Kufic script from Persia or Central Asia – dated 1125- estimated at $313,000 -$398,800, a carved jade and gilt metal Quran stand, along with an illuminated Quran juz, attributable to the scribe ‘Ali ibn Muhammad alMuktib al-Ashrafi, probably illuminated by Ibrahim al-Amidi in Egypt 1375. 

Celebrating medieval mathematics, astronomy and science, the auction will offer three works copied in the 12th and 13th centuries in North Africa and Persia. 

The exhibition will open on Friday 20 April, as part of Orientalist and Middle Eastern Week.