Lot 178: ATTRIBUTED TO AL-HAJJ AHMAD AL-KAMIL (TURKISH, 1868-1941), 'ILLUMINATED CALLIGRAPHIC COMPOSITION FEATURING SURAH QAF'.
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This illuminated calligraphic composition on paper is attributed to the Ottoman master calligrapher Al-Hajj Ahmad al-Kamil. The work features a central illuminated unwan or medallion executed in gold, lapis blue, and vermilion pigments with intricate floral and foliate arabesque motifs. Above this medallion, the Basmala invocation is written in a large, prominent Thuluth script. The main text body consists of verses from the Quran, specifically identifying verse 5 of Surah Qaf (Chapter 50), written in black ink, bordered by smaller calligraphic script in red ink. The entire composition is surrounded by multiple polychrome and gold ruled borders. The manuscript is presented in a dark-toned wooden frame with a gilded beaded inner lip and a black mount. The calligraphic style and illumination are highly characteristic of late Ottoman artistic production from the early 20th century.
Approximately 53 x 43cm
Condition report:
The paper shows overall toning consistent with age and occasional light foxing. The frame exhibits significant surface wear, including scuffing, scratches, and notable loss of the dark finish along the right-hand vertical edge and bottom corner. The gilded beaded inner slip remains largely intact.
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