Abu ‘Abdullah Muhammad al-Busiri, Qasida al-Burda, with calligraphic mufradat, signed by by Husayn al-Fakhkhar al-Shirazi, Persia, Safavid, dated 970 AH/1562-63 AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 30 leaves plus 3 flyleaves, each leaf with a text panel set into the page and ruled in colours and gold, each panel split into 5 boxes, with two large lines of text in thuluth script in black ink, enclosing 2 smaller lines in naskh script, the first 10 pages comprising a mufradat, followed by the Qasida, opening double page with illuminated headpiece composed of interlacing flowers, split-palmettes and chinoiserie cloud bands, reddish-brown morocco binding with gilt-stamped central lobed cartouche filled with flowering vines, thin robe-work border, doublures with cut-paper filigree cartouches, with flap

"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."

Jamal al-Din Husayn, known as al-Fakhkhar, is recorded as being related to the Atabegs of Fars, a known calligrapher of Shiraz, and praised for his naskh and thuluth script. His recorded works are dated between 951 AH/1544-45 AD) and 974 AH/1566-67 AD (Mehdi Bayani, ahval va athar-e khosh-navisan, vol.IV, Tehran, 1358 sh, p.52; Minorsky, Calligraphers and Painters, Washington 1959, p.76).