Surah Al-Waqia (LVI) and Prayers for each day of the week, signed by Ahmad Al-Nayrizi, Persia, Safavid, dated 1122 AH/1710 AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 11 leaves plus 3 flyleaves, 8 lines to the page, written in naskh script in black ink, within cloudbands against a gold ground, verses separated by gold florets pointed with blue dots, headings in red and white naskh script, margins ruled in colours and gold, illluminated opening headpiece with polychrome flowers on blue and gold grounds, plain red leather binding

In good overall condition, pages clean and illumination bright, ink strong, some wear to spine, 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 text includes: Qur'an, chapter LVI (al-Waqi'ah), the prayers for seven days of the week and the prayers for mornings and evenings.

Ahmad Al-Nayrizi, best known for his distinctively Persian naskh script, was active between 1682 and 1739. Originally from the town of Nayriz in Fars, Nayrizi was one of the most important and prolific calligraphers of the late Safavid period. He practised calligraphy under the supervision of Muhammad Ibrahim Ibn Muhammad Nasir Qumi, better known as Agha Ibrahim Qumi, who worked from 1659 to 1707. Sometime in late seventeenth century Nayrizi settled in Isfahan, where Ibrahim Qumi was living, and where he came to the attention of Shah Sultan Husayn (r.1694-1722). The Shah and his court became important patrons of Nayrizi, who is reputed to have commanded large fees for his work; the total income he received over his lifetime is estimated to have reached 60,000 tumans, an incredible sum for the period.

Ahmad Al-Nayrizi continued producing work of royal quality for almost two decades, and naskh calligraphers of later generations were proud to associate their skills with him. A further example of his work, Surah Yasin (XXXVI), was sold in these rooms 1 April 2009, lot 11. A single-volume Qu'ran by his hand can be found in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection (see Bayani et al [eds.], The Decorated Word, Vol.IV, 1999, vol.IV, p.128, no.53). For the latest work on the calligrapher see: M.H. Semsar, 'Ahmad Nayrizi' The Great Islamic Encylopaedia, vol.VII, Tehran, 1998, pp.100-108 and N.Safwat, The Art of the Pen, Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, 1996, pp.212-13).