- 55
An Album of Calligraphy attributable to Ikhtiar Al-Munshi, Persia, Safavid, dated 975 AH/1564-5 AD
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Ink and gold on paper
Persian manuscript on paper, 16 leaves plus 2 flyleaves, 5 lines to the page written in shikasteh ta'liq script in black, white and red within cloud bands against a gold ground, ruled in colours and gold, remargined in the 19th century using different coloured papers, with corresponding Qajar illumination on the opening double page comprising a finely executed headpiece displaying intertwining polychrome flowers and split-palmettes reserved against a gold ground, with ensuite cornerpieces, soft red leather binding with gilt-stamped cartouches and cornerpieces
Condition
In good overall condition, remargined, a few stains and occasional smudges, calligraphy generally clean and illumination bright, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Khwaja Ikhtiyar Ibn 'Ali Gunabadi Munshi, the most celebrated calligrapher of the style known as ta'liq or shikasteh ta'liq, was born in Gunabad but lived in Herat and worked as a secretary at the court of the Safavid prince Sultan Muhammad Mirza, son of Shah Tahmasp, in Herat for about 30 years. His signed pieces are dated between 949 AH/1538-9 AD and 970 AH/1562-3 AD (M.H. Semsar, Ikhtiyar Munshi, The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia, edited by K. Musavi Bojnurdi, vol.VII, Tehran, 1998, pp.175-8). The present album of calligraphy is his latest recorded work.
Two pages of Ta'liq calligraphy by Ikhtiyar al-Munshi were sold in these rooms 22 April 1999, lot 33, whilst a calligraphic page in shikasteh ta'liqscript was included amongst a group of Safavid calligraphies sold at Christie's 8 April 2008, lot 189.
Two pages of Ta'liq calligraphy by Ikhtiyar al-Munshi were sold in these rooms 22 April 1999, lot 33, whilst a calligraphic page in shikasteh ta'liqscript was included amongst a group of Safavid calligraphies sold at Christie's 8 April 2008, lot 189.