An illuminated prayer book in safina form, Persia, Safavid, circa 1700

An illuminated prayer book in safina form, Persia, Safavid, circa 1700

Arabic manuscript on paper, 134 leaves plus 3 fly-leaves, 14 lines to the page, written in naskh in black ink within cloud bands reserved against a gold ground, 11 folios in the middle with red Persian interlinear translations, ruled in gold and blue, catchwords, the headings in gold and red on polychrome and gold illuminated panels, the opening bifolium with an illuminated headpiece and floral illuminated margins, two additional pages with illuminated headpieces, in brown leather and velvet binding

17.9 by 9.2cm.