An Illustrated and Illuminated Manuscript of Sa'di's Gulistan, Persia, Shiraz, circa 1580

Persian manuscript on paper, 158 leaves, 10 lines to the page written horizontally and 24 lines or less written diagonally in neat black Nasta'liq script on gold-sprinkled paper, key words picked out in red, headings written in white Nasta'liq script on illuminated panels, opening illuminated double page in colours and gold, further double page frontispiece and finispiece, the latter repainted in 17th century Deccani style, possibly contemporary binding decorated with scrolling gilt arabesques

Ex-Collection Hagop Kevorkian, sold in these rooms 18 July 1978, lot 326
Sotheby's London 15 October 1997, lot 29

In generally good overall condition, spine worn and repaired at edges, rebacked, finispiece miniatures slightly rubbed, otherwise pages clean and fresh, calligraphy bold, 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."

The right hand page of the opening double-page frontispiece has been repainted in the Deccani style of the seventeenth century, and an inscription beneath the miniature identifies the seated ruler as Pad-Shah 'Alam 'Adil Mu'ayyad Muzaffer Mansour.