An illustrated and illuminated leaf from a manuscript of Firdausi's Shahnameh: Rustam reporting his victory to Kay Khosrow, Persia, Safavid, Qazvin or Mashhad, 988 AH/1580 AD

gouache heightened with gold on polished paper, remargined at the lower and right hand edges, 6 lines of text in black nasta'liq script in 4 columns, reverse with 23 lines of text with a larger heading in blue, further text written diagonally in the margin, ruled in colours and gold

In fair overall condition, remargined at lower and right hand edge, creases, small stains, consolidated tears and areas or retouching, including the faces, 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."

As with the previous two lots from the same Shahnameh manuscript, 'artist A' is considered responsible for the present painting, which would originally have been folio 216b.