An Illustrated leaf from a copy of the Khamsa of Nizami: Khosrow Spies Shirin Bathing, India, Mughal, 1590-1600

Ink and gouache heightened with gold on paper, 9 lines to the page either side of the painting in four columns of text written in nasta'liq script in black ink with double intercolumnar rules in gold, recto with 21 lines of text, set in with florally-decorated margins 

In good overall condition, slight fading to the gilt margins, miniature in good condition, slight patches of staining to the reverse, 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 comes from a manuscript originating from the transitional period between the rule of Akbar (r.1556-1605) and Jahangir (r.1605-1627). A further illustration of the same scene, which was also executed at roughly the same time, is in the Keir collection and illustrated in Robinson (Ed.), Islamic Painting and the Arts of the Book, London, 1988, p.239, pl.109/V.8. The two paintings share certain similarities in the figures' composition and rocky outcrop, whilst the text form is also that of four columns with double intercolumnar rules.

Another manuscript from this period is the Khamsa of Nizami, dated 1595, the greater portion of which is in the British Library (Or.12208), whilst thirty-nine folios (with five paintings) are kept at the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. This manuscript is published in S.C. Welch, 'The Emperor Akbar's Khamsa of Nizami', Journal of the Walters Art Gallery 23 (1960): 86-96; Martin, Miniature Paintings, pls.178-81.