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An illustrated leaf from a Manuscript of Firdausi's Shahnama: Rustam, having defeated the Turanians, approaches the castle of the Khaqan of Chin, North India, Sultanate, 15th/16th century
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
Gouache heightened with gold on paper, four columns of neat black nasta'liq script on buff paper above and below, heading in red, double intercolumnar rules in gold, margins ruled in red and gold, numbered 210 at top, reverse with 23 lines of text in four columns with double intercolumnar gold rules
Condition
In fair overall condition, some some flaking to the miniature, particularly the lower half, mild water staining to the top left edge and bottom right-hand corner, some small worm holes in the outer margins, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This leaf is from a manuscript of Firdausi's Shahnama probably made at Lahore towards the end of the Sultanate period. When several leaves from this manuscript appeared on the market in the early 1970s S.C. Welch cited the architectural style, the strong colours and the 'tiger' moutaches as pointing to this age.
The illustration portrays Rustam approaching the fortress of Khaqan of Chin, whilst a woman raises her hands in distress in the doorway. Epic works of literature such as the Khamsa of Nizami and the Shahnama came to be as popular in India as they were in Persia, their place of origin, and indeed during the fifteenth century, these texts and miniatures were often copied and adapted by Indian artists, gaining popularity at the Sultanate court.
Other leaves from this manuscript can be found in the Brooklyn Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Paul Walter Collection and are illustrated in Binney, 1973a, no.8, p.22 and Welch, ibid. The latter was sold in our New York rooms, 26 March 1998, lot.1.
The illustration portrays Rustam approaching the fortress of Khaqan of Chin, whilst a woman raises her hands in distress in the doorway. Epic works of literature such as the Khamsa of Nizami and the Shahnama came to be as popular in India as they were in Persia, their place of origin, and indeed during the fifteenth century, these texts and miniatures were often copied and adapted by Indian artists, gaining popularity at the Sultanate court.
Other leaves from this manuscript can be found in the Brooklyn Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Paul Walter Collection and are illustrated in Binney, 1973a, no.8, p.22 and Welch, ibid. The latter was sold in our New York rooms, 26 March 1998, lot.1.