AN ILLUMINATED OPENING DOUBLE PAGE FROM A MANUSCRIPT OF NIZAMI'S MAKHZAN AL-ASRAR, PERSIA, CIRCA 1500

Persian manuscript bifolium, ink, opaque watercolour and gold on paper, reverse of folio 2b with full page of text of 19 lines of fine nasta'liq script in black ink.

Islamic Art and the Written World, Harvard Art Museums, 1983

In overall good condition, some yellow staining around the panels, very tiny loss at bottom edge of manuscript and two black stains on top right hand corner. Colours blue, gold are bright and text is bold, 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 opening double page from a manuscript of Nizami is exquisitely illuminated in a style associated with the late 15th-century Turkman School. The style, with dominant use of blue and gold, survived into the early years of the Safavid dynasty at Shiraz and Tabriz.

Nizami's Makhzan al-Asrar is one of the five poems of his Khamseh (Quintet), written circa 1170 AD.