An illustrated and illuminated leaf from a manuscript of Firdausi's Shahnameh: Gayumars' First Achievement: the Introduction of Clothing, Persia, Safavid, Shiraz, 16th century

gouache heightened with gold on paper, 4 columns of fine nasta'liq script in black ink sprinkled with gold, illuminated heading, ruled in colours and gold, reverse with 25 lines of text and 3 illuminated heading panels, with catchword

In very good overall condition, page trimmed, light diagonal crease to top left hand corner, minor paint losses, clours bright and fresh, gold 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."

This miniature depicts a scene from the beginning of the reign of the epic of the King Gayumars, illustrating his first achievement: the introduction of clothing, most notably when he and his troops wore leopard-skins.

"[Gaiumarth] invented crown and throne, and was a Shah.
This order, Grace and lustre came to earth...
He and all his troops wore leopard-skins,
And under him the arts of life began,
For food and dress were in their infancy"