An Illustrated and Illuminated manuscript of Nizami's Haft Paykar ('Seven Princesses') and Layla wa Majnun, Persia, Safavid, probably Shiraz, circa 1590

Persian manuscript on thin cream paper, 110 leaves plus 8 flyleaves, 21 lines to the page, written in fine nasta'liq script in black ink on gold sprinkled paper within 4 columns, remargined, headings in white riqa' script within foliate panels, two illuminated headpieces in colours and gold, opening frontispiece with text within cloud bands with panels of gold floral scrolls, 3 full page miniatures in gouache heightened with gold, later red leather binding with gilt-stamped and tooled trellis and scrollwork designs 

In generally good overall condition, some wormholes and repair, rubbing to binding, a few minor stains, illustrations and illumination bright, as viewed.
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The present lot is a delicately illustrated copy of two books from Nizami’s khamsa. The fine detailing of this version of the 'Quintet', and the distinct oversized pillowy turbans placed on the painted figures heads, suggest this copy was executed in the latter decade of the sixteenth century, in Shiraz. Luxurious manuscripts similar to this example were common to this period and are representative of the final stage of the blossoming Shiraz style. The illumination on each opening heading, Sarlwah, is archetypal of this style, employing a subtle palette and refined execution as opposed to the earlier style which (despite its decadence) was far cruder.

A large rectangular seal impression bearing the name Amin al-Dawla Saif al-Mulk Aqa ‘Alikhan Firuz Jang Bahadur attributes this work to an Indian princely collection, in the late eighteenth to early nineteenth century. There is also a further inscription in shikasteh script on the same leaf recording the purchase of the manuscript for 1,000 rupees.