A Masterpiece of Ottoman Book Arts: The State Chronicle in marbled binding by named binder.

A Masterpiece of Ottoman Book Arts: The State Chronicle in marbled binding by named binder

SOLAKZADE, Mehmed Hemdemi. Tarih-i-Solakzade (First section only). Ottoman historical manuscript, prepared for a high-ranking statesman. C19th

60 folios (120 pp). Large quarto 35cm x 20cm. Ottoman Turkish manuscript in nesih script, 29 lines per page. Written on first-class watermarked French paper, highly polished with a couble coating of egg white. Titles in red ink, main text in black ink. Fully bound in classic hatip ebru marbled leather, including miklep, exhibiting exceptional hand-marbled craftsmanship. The marbling is likely attributed to Hatip Mehmet Efendi, the legendary Ottoman master of the art, whose work also appears in a foundation ledger at Topkapi Palace. All the pages feature reddad (guidelines) with a significant figures and events highlighted in red ink in the margins.

Ownership inscription of Muhammed Arif Hilmi. Minimal signs of ageing; overall in fine condition.

This manuscript was likely commissioned for a distinguished official, as evident from its masterful calligraphy and exquisite binding. The manuscript’s size, high-quality script, and full ebru-covered binding position it as a remarkable example of late Ottoman artistry. The combination of its fine marbling, outstanding calligraphy and luxurious materials suggests it was intended for an elite audience.

Mehmed Hemdemi, also known as Solakzade Mehmed Hemdemi, was an Ottoman historian, biographer, or writer from the Ottoman Empire period. The name “Solakzade” indicates he was part of the Solakzade family, a well-known Ottoman family of writers, historians, and officials.