Hafiz (d.1389-90), Diwan, signed by Muhammad Amin known as Mirak al-Husayni, Persia, Safavid, dated 969 AH/1561-62 AD

Persian manuscript on paper, 159 leaves plus 11 flyleaves, the text area sprinkled with gold,  15 lines to the page, written in fine nasta'liq script in black ink within 2 columns separated by gold intercolumnar rules, margins ruled in gold, black and blue, titles picked out in larger blue and red text, double page illuminated frontispiece in colours and gold comprising scrolling polychrome flowers and split-palmettes interlaced with chinoiserie cloud bands, the text within cloud bands against a gold ground, corresponding illumination at colophon, later Ottoman red morocco binding with gilt-tooled scrolling border, with flap 

F.1a with ownership inscription in an Ottoman hand with seal impressions of Mustafa Sharifi dated [12]22 AH/1807-08 AD and Mustafa, dated 1225 AH/1810-11 AD.

In generally good overall condition, some wear and stains to binding, opening leaves coming loose from binding, various marginal stains, illumination bright and ink bold, 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."

Within the cartouches on the illuminated double page frontispiece of the present manuscript are the bismillah; Qur’an, chapter XII (Yusuf), part of verse 64, and a benedictory couplet in Arabic:

li-sahibihi al-sa’adah wa al-salamah / wa tul al-‘umr ma nahat hamamah

‘To its owner, happiness and well-being
As long as the dove coos’