An Illuminated portrait of Imam 'Ali, Persia, Qajar, late 19th century

Ink, gouache and gold on paper laid down on an album page, the central portrait depicting the sitting figure of Imam 'Ali with halo and a sword across his knees, underneath a blue sky made up of celestial faces, framed by inscriptive semi-roundels giving sacred names amid a dense ground of scrolling gilt and coloured vegetation with inscriptive cartouches above and below

In very good overall condition, colours fresh and bold, very minor abrasions to edges, 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."

inscriptions

The image of Imam 'Ali with a hadith of the Prophet and the names of 'The Fourteen Innocents'

A dedication note indicates that it was a gift for Mu'ayyid al-Dawlah. He is to be identified with Abu'l-Fath Mirza son of Husam al-Saltanah and a son-in-law of Nasir al-Din Shah.  He received the title Mu'ayyid al-Dawla in A.H. 1298/A.D. 1880-81.  Among his numerous posts were governorship of Kurdistan, Zanjan, Gilan, Khurasan and Fars and he died in A.H. 1330/A.D. 1911-12, (see M. Bamdad, Dictionary of National Biography of Iran, 1700-1900, vol. I, Tehran, 1966, pp.51-3).