Farid al-Din 'Attar, Mantiq al-Tayr, Persia, Timurid, dated 858 AH/1454 AD

Persian manuscript on paper, 233 leaves plus 4 flyleaves, 10 to 11 lines to the page, written in black nasta'liq script, headings in gold thuluth script against scrolling vines of split-palmettes, illuminated opening headpiece in colours and gold, 8 miniatures in gouache heightened with gold, brown morocco binding with gilt-stamped boards with vegetal motifs, doublures decorated with delicate cut-paper filigree split-palmettes amid a geometric framework

In generally good overall condition, illumination rubbed, binding worn, water stains to upper and lower leaf edges, miniatures quite rubbed, 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."

A note at the end by a twentieth-century Persian scholar, Ahmad Soheyli, attributes the hand of the present manuscript's text to Ja’far Baysunghuri (1413-80 AD), a Chief Librarian of Prince Baysunghur. He also likens this manuscript and the Baysunghuri Shahnameh to diamonds, this being the kuh-e nur and the Shahnameh being the darya-ye nur.

The manuscript is illustrated as follows:

1. The king who puts an apple above his slave’s head as a target to practise his skills.
2. Shaykh Sam’an and his companions come across a beautiful Christian girl whom he falls in love with.
3. Sultan Mahmud and the thorn digger.
4.  Hallaj, when being hanged covers his face with his own blood to cover his pale face.
5. The old woman offers to buy Yusuf.
6. Sultan Mahmud and the bath-keeper.
7. Majnun dresses himself as a sheep in order to see Layla.
8. King’s slave is brought to the king’s daughter’s chamber at night.