An Illustrated and Illuminated leaf from a Manuscript of Firdausi's Shahnameh: Faridun arrives at Zahhak's palace to fight him, Baghdad or Persia, circa 1300-40

Gouache heightened with gold on paper, 31 lines to the page, written in Naskh script in black ink in 6 columns, headings in gold with black outlines, margins and intercolumnar rules in red, the reverse with 31 lines of text

In fair overall condition, some smudging to ink, creasing, occasional nibbles to leaf edges, painting slightly rubbed, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This leaf originates from an important manuscript of the Shahnameh, almost certaily produced at Shiraz in circa 1340. Generally known as the 'Freer Shahnameh', it belongs to a group called the 'Small Shahnamehs', which over the years have been attributed to Western India, Shiraz and Tabriz. Detailed study in the late 1970s, however, pointed to Baghdad as the place of origin. The majority of leaves from the present manuscript are in the Freer Gallery, Washington, and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Others are in the Art and History Trust Collection (A. Soudavar, Art of the Persian Courts, New York, 1992, pp.37-38, nos.10a-c) and numerous have been sold in these rooms, including 30 April 2003, lot 25.