Two Qajar deeds, Persia, dated 1315 AH/1897 AD and 1337 AH/1918 AD

Persian manuscript on paper, tall firman with 42 lines to the page, headings in various divided panels at top, written in large nasta'liq script in black and red ink with stamps, ruled in black, gold, blue and red; smaller firman with 23 lines to the page, headings in various divided panels at top, written in nasta'liq script in black and red ink with stamps, black rules.

Private Collection, Paris
Acquired directly from the above in 1999

The tall firman with some crease lines where it was once rolled, otherwise in generally good condition, the smaller firman also with crease lines and discoloration to sections of paper which were joined, minor speckling, unable to see reverse due to framing, 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."

One of the deeds represents a contract of property sale between the vendor: Aqa Mirza ‘Ali Muhammad (pen-named Ruhani son of Mirza ‘Abd al-Wahhab pen-named Yazdani, ‘Abd al-Wahhab was the sixth son of the famous scribe Muhammad Shafi’ pen-named Vesal) and the buyer: Aqa Mirza ‘Ali Muhammad pen-named Hakim (unidentified).

Dated 23 Rabi’ I, 1337 (27 December 1918)

The other deed represents an agreement document between Hidayatullah Shirazi, Bibi Qamar Sultan and ‘Abd al-Ghaffar Shirazi to sell their named property in Shiraz to Karbala’i ‘Ali, the Shirazi rice seller (Razzaz) (none identified).

Dated 15 Rabi’ I (final date), 1315 (14 August 1897)