Rare Deluxe 19th-Century Ottoman Manuscript of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī - 7 Unbound Sections

This remarkable collection of manuscript leaves offers a rare and profound connection to centuries of Islamic scholarship. Imagine holding in your hands a deluxe, 19th-century Ottoman manuscript of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, one of the most revered hadith collections in Sunni Islam. These seven surviving sections (ajzāʾ) are a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and deep reverence of the era, offering a tangible link to a rich intellectual heritage from the Eastern Mediterranean.

The text is penned in a fine, rounded naskh script in black ink, beautifully highlighted with red rubrication for the kitāb and bāb headings. The manuscript's high quality is underscored by its stunning decoration: painted marginal rosettes in red, orange, and green, some with gilt-like centers, which elegantly mark the end of each hadith. These details, along with the professional late Ottoman style, make this a truly exquisite piece of art.

The surviving text includes material from cornerstone hadith chapters such as Kitāb al-Adab and Kitāb al-Jihād, each page preserving multiple complete hadith with their full narrator chains (isnād). This is a highly desirable acquisition for collectors of Islamic art, researchers, or anyone seeking to connect with the authentic heritage of Islamic culture.

Additional Details

• Author: Imām al-Bukhārī (d. 870 CE)

• Title: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (partial)

• Period: c. 1815–1855 CE (late Ottoman era)

• Origin: Eastern Mediterranean (likely Ottoman Syria or Anatolia)

• Language: Arabic

• Script: Fine, professional naskh script

• Decoration: Painted marginal rosettes in red, orange, and green, some with gilt-like centers; red rubrication for headings

• Materials: Black and red ink on burnished laid paper

• Extent: 7 sections (ajzāʾ), 70 folios, 140 pages

• Condition: Very good, with minor edge wear and occasional light marginal staining. The gatherings are unbound but complete within each section.

Viewing and Delivery Options

You're most welcome to visit our shop, Vintage at the Mill, here in Cullingworth, to see this beautiful manuscript for yourself. Delivery is available across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. We do deliver to Europe, but please contact us directly first for a quotation.

About Us

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