Sad Kalima (The Hundred Sayings of Imam 'Ali), copied by Jalal al-Din Abu'l-Hasan 'Ali ibn Ibrahim, Persia, Safavid, dated 1077 AH/1666 AD

Persian manuscript on paper, 14 leaves, 9 lines to the page written in small and neat Nasta'liq script in black ink on gold flecked paper, 3 lines per page with larger gold script in Thuluth, with side panels filled with gold flowers embellished with polychrome dots, margins ruled in colours and gold, opening double page with leafy marginal scrolls in gold, large and finely executed illuminated headpiece comprising gold scrolling split-palmettes and sprinkled flowers within a gold strapwork border, later Qajar period lacquer binding with doublures depicting a maiden holding a bird within a landscape filled with vegetation and wildlife in gold, the covers decorated with a border of dense foliage and three central cartouches filled with naturalistic flowers

In good overall condition, binding has come loose and has various nicks and abrasions, 1 small leaf edge tear with associated restoration to folio 2, otherwise pages clean, occasional minor stain, ink strong and gold bright, as viewed.
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