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An important manuscript copy of hayakil al-sab'a, copied by court calligrapher Sayfullah Kirmani (d.after 1491), Persia, Timurid, Herat, dated 879 AH/1474 AD
Estimate
70,000 - 90,000 GBP
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Description
- bound paper book
Persian manuscript on paper, 11 leaves, 7 lines to the page, written in naskh script in black ink, verses separated by small illuminated roundels pointed in blue, margins ruled in gold, black and blue, headings in larger naskh script written in gold within cloudbands against a lightly hatched background, catchwords, f.11a colophon, loose binding in brown morocco with stamped roundels in the centres and corners, with flap
Condition
In generally good overall condition, calligraphy bold, illumination bright, few stains, light smudges, very minor repair on inner margins near spine, loose binding with wear, 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
Sayfullah Kirmani
Born in Kirman, Sayfullah was active in Herat and worked for the court of Sultan Husayn Bayqara (r.1469-1506). His first recorded calligraphy, dated 883 AH/1478 AD, and the second, dated 897 AH/1491 AD, are in the Shah Tahmasp Album in the collection of Istanbul University Library (F.1422, see D. J. Roxburgh, The Persian Album 1400-1600, London, 2005, p.202). The third record calligraphy by Sayfullah Kirmani, dated 884 AH/1479-80 AD, is in the Amir Ghayb Beg Album in the Topkapi Palace Library Museum (see Roxburgh 2005, p.227). As such, the present manuscript is the earliest recorded specimen of Kirmani's work.
These three calligraphies, which are his only recorded works, are in imperial albums compiled for Shah Tahmasp comprising masterpieces in calligraphy and painting and were given by Shah Tahmasp to Shah Quli Khalifa, the compiler of the album and the third one to Amir Ghayb Beg.
Born in Kirman, Sayfullah was active in Herat and worked for the court of Sultan Husayn Bayqara (r.1469-1506). His first recorded calligraphy, dated 883 AH/1478 AD, and the second, dated 897 AH/1491 AD, are in the Shah Tahmasp Album in the collection of Istanbul University Library (F.1422, see D. J. Roxburgh, The Persian Album 1400-1600, London, 2005, p.202). The third record calligraphy by Sayfullah Kirmani, dated 884 AH/1479-80 AD, is in the Amir Ghayb Beg Album in the Topkapi Palace Library Museum (see Roxburgh 2005, p.227). As such, the present manuscript is the earliest recorded specimen of Kirmani's work.
These three calligraphies, which are his only recorded works, are in imperial albums compiled for Shah Tahmasp comprising masterpieces in calligraphy and painting and were given by Shah Tahmasp to Shah Quli Khalifa, the compiler of the album and the third one to Amir Ghayb Beg.