An illuminated bifolium from a manuscript of Nizami's Makhzan al-Asrar, Persia, Shiraz, Safavid, circa 1540

Persian manuscript on paper, 7 lines to the page, written in neat and small nasta'liq script in black ink within cloud bands, against a gold ground sprinkled with polychrome flowers, headings above and below in gold thuluth within concentric blue and gold lobed cartouches, decorated throughout with scrolling flowers and split palmettes, 3 further pages with 21 lines of text within 4 columns

Sir Howard Hodgkin, C.H., C.B.E., (b.1932), London
Acquired in 1968

In reasonably good overall condition, margins extended with paper at lower edge and left hand edge of front page, a few small holes, stains and repairs, 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."

The illuminated page of the present bifolium is the second half of a double page opening of the Makhzan al-Asrar of Nizami (d.1209). The following pages are its continuations.