Calligraphie enluminée montée en page d'album, par Fath 'Ali Shah Qajar, Iran, art qajar, début du XIXème siècle

encre, gouache et or sur papier, poésie persane inscrite en nasta'liq, en réserve dans des nuages sur un fond or, garni de nuages tchi et de rinceaux de fleurettes, les marges bleues enluminées à l'or, médaillon inscrit en haut de la marge, donnant le nom de Fath 'Ali Shah Qajar flanqué de lions assis

overall good condition. the gilt slightly worn. Usual wear to ink and paper with minor stains as visible in the catalogue illustration. a very few areas of old retouching to gilt background on the right border.
"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."

Fath 'Ali Shah (r. 1798-1834) was the second monarch of the Qajar dynasty which ruled in Tehran. He was a great patron of the arts and known to have practiced calligraphy himself, examples like our panel of his own hand are rare. One is in the Aga Khan Collection (Ref. AKM00531) : Treasures of the Aga Khan Museum, Arts of the Book & Calligraphy, Aga Khan Trust for Culture and Sabanci University & Museum, Istanbul 2010, p. 98, no.46. Two others were sold at Sotheby's London, 6 April 2011, lot 225 and 9 April 2008, lot 66.