Copy of the Minhaj al-Dukkan by al-Kohen al Attar - Lot 224

Copy of the Minhaj al-Dukkan by al-Kohen al Attar Ink, pigments and gold on paper Algeria, 18th century 30 x 18.5 x 2.5 cm) From its full name Minhaj ad-dukkan wa dustur al-a'yan fi'l-tibb wa'l-saydalah, literally "The Management of the Apothecaries and the Regulation of Important Medical and Pharmaceutical Subjects", the Minhaj al-Dukkan is a treatise on Pharmacy written in the 13th century by al-Kohen al-Attar, a Jewish pharmacist from Cairo. This remarkable pharmaceutical manual was to enjoy great success in medical circles throughout the Muslim world. The manuscript opens with a waqf, stating that it was bequeathed to the Mosque of Sidi-Fredj in 1194 AH (1779-80 AD). A handwritten note in French is glued to the inside cover, stating "Manuscrit pris dans la mosquée de Sidi Ferruck mosque on June 5, 1830 at 4 a.m. at the time of the landing (Algiers Expedition) [...]" followed by a description. The opening bifolio features an illuminated cartouche with floral decoration, and text framed in gilded framing. On the following folios, the text is written in black, red or eggplant ink, spread over 25 lines, within red framing framed in red. The colophon does not specify the copyist's name, date or place. The brown leather binding is embossed and gilded with mandorla and floral motifs (flap torn). (Worn).