ISLAMIC, INDIAN ART & JEWELS
Lot 14:
Description
A scarce mid-19th-century Arabic Christian devotional work titled Salwāt al-Swā‘i (“Prayers of the Seekers”), printed in Lebanon in 1852. This important liturgical book contains daily prayers, canonical hours, and hymns following the Maronite and Catholic traditions of Mount Lebanon.
The text is printed in clear Arabic script within decorative borders, with beautifully composed typographic ornaments including a cross motif framed by floral designs. The opening pages feature elegant black-and-white typographic decoration, characteristic of early Lebanese ecclesiastical presses that flourished in monasteries and mission centers during the 19th century.
Bound in an attractive contemporary red tooled leather binding with a central gilt medallion and decorative corner motifs, this copy reflects the refinement of early Lebanese Christian bookbinding. Light age toning and minor marginal wear consistent with devotional use.
An exceptional and early example of Arabic Christian printing in Lebanon, this book illustrates the literary and spiritual vitality of Maronite and Catholic communities during the Ottoman period.
18 x 12cm
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