Five leaves from an Ottoman manuscript of prayers
Possibly 17th century or later; Turkey
Each: Gouache and gold on cream paper with lines of text written in black naskh script within clouds on a gold ground, surrounded by red and gold margins, with black catchwords, sold together with one leaf from a Persian manuscript of poetry, 6 pieces
Sight of each: 9.75" H x 5.75" W
Provenance: Ex-collection Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wolff, first half 20th century

Other Notes: The painting on the five Ottoman leaves is consistent with extant examples produced between 1580-1600, however, the paintings may have been completed at a later date but executed on old paper. Areas of flaking pigment reveal visible text underneath, possibly indicating that the paintings were done on older, reappropriated manuscript pages.

The scenes are identified as:
1. Ibrahim is hidden in a tunnel by his father Azer
2. Ibrahim about to sacrifice his son Isma'il
3. The Prophet Muhammad reveals to 'Ali secrets of creation he was told during the mi'raj journey
4. Adam and Eve expelled from Paradise
5. Imam 'Ali and his Council; and

Together with a manuscript of Persian poetry, possibly "Divan" of Zahir al-Din Faryabi.

Each: Overall good condition with wear commensurate with age. Each leaf was previously mounted to paper, and is currently dry mounted to an archival matted folio. Issues include, but are not limited to: some with very small areas of typical fading to gold; each with toning; one with moisture damage and tidelines to the upper and lower right corners; three with fragments of old, previously applied clear tape; each with craquelure and four with attendant areas of flaked losses to paint. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.