SHARH -I DAWAZDAH IMAM KHWAJA NASIR (PRAYERS IN PRAISE OF THE PROPHET AND THE TWELVE IMAMS), A ROYAL MANUSCRIPT PROBABLY MADE FOR FATH ALI SHAH QAJAR, COPIED BY THE SCRIBE MUHAMMAD MAHDI, PERSIA, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

19 leaves, text written in nasta`liq and naskhi scripts in black and red, headings in blue, significant words written in red, text area entirely illuminated with floral motifs and cloud bands in colours and gold, borders finely illuminated throughout in colours and gold, colophon at end erased, but with royal titles and name of scribe Muhammad Mahdi still legible under ultraviolet light, contemporary brown shagreen binding with gilt-stamped central medallions, cornerpieces and border bands

Published in 1400 Years of Islamic Art, 1981, no. 24.

Good overall condition, binding with a small loss to one corner of the ebru, a few minor stains, otherwise good, 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 finely illuminated manuscript of prayers was made for one of the Qajar Shahs in Persia in the 19th century. Unfortunately the colophon has been erased at some stage in its history, but under ultraviolet light the titles "al-Sultan ibn al-Sultan ibn al-Sultan al-Khaqan..." are visible, as is the name of the scribe Muhammad Mahdi and the first part of the date "12..". Unfortunately the name of the particular Sultan is not visible. However, the three scribes going by the name of Muhammad Mahdi during the Qajar period were all active during the reign of Fath Ali Shah Qajar in the first three decades (see Karimzadeh Tabrizi 1991, vol.3, nos.1154-6, pp.1088-9).

The Prayers in this volume are attributed to the medieval scholar Nasir al-Din al-Tusi.