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A Printed Shahnama, Persia, probably Shiraz, dated A.H. 1272/A.D. 1855
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
Persian manuscript on paper, 639 leaves, 33 lines to the page printed in nasta'liq script in black ink, verse columns separated by double intercolumnar rules, illuminated chapter openings and foliate headings in colours and gold, 26 hand-coloured illustrations, brown European-style binding with gold stamped decoration
Condition
In good overall condition, parts 3 and 4 incomplete, some repair to the opening illumination and a few tears throughout with associated repair, some foxing and darkening to the leaves, binding with rubbing and mild abrasions, 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 copy of Firdausi's Shahnamah is a rare example of Qajar lithography. This process reached Tabriz in the 1840s and the present example is a fine version with hand-coloured illustrations. The style of the paintings is typically late Qajar, depicting the tall and elaborate head dresses of the figures as well as their European manner of dressing. The colophon date says A.H. 1207/A.D. 1787 but this is unlikely, due to the later arrival of lithography to Persia. The correct date, A.H. 1272/A.D. 1855, is printed on the previous page, thus rendering this as a relatively early example of Iranian lithographic printing.