The versed munajat of Imam ‘Ali with versed translation, signed by Muhammad al-mudhahhab al-Kirmani, Persia, Safavid, 16th century

Arabic and Persian manuscript on polished paper, 6 leaves, 18 lines to the page, written vertically, horizontally and diagonally in fine black nasta'liq script, margins ruled in gold, opening page with panel of finely-worked illumination in colours and 2 tones of gold enclosing the bismillah, brown leather binding with pressure-moulded medallions filled with interlacing split-palmettes

Ottoman notes and seal impressions of Jalil (or Khalil) Tawfiqi ‘Ali Pasha and Muhammad Sham’izadah, the superintendent in Maghnisa (Manisa).

In reasonably good overall condition, water stain to lower half of page throughout the manuscript, recurring wormhole at lower edge repaired on each page, wear to binding, illumination bright, as viewed.
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The calligrapher Muhammad al-mudhahhab al-Kirmani is mentioned in the Majalis al-nafa’is of Mir ‘Alishir Nava’i as a young boy, well-known to all for his calligraphy and illumination and described as second to Mani. An author of poetry, he was in Istanbul with his father and brother for ten days and died of the plague (Mir Nizam al-Din ‘Alishir Nava’i, Majalis al-nafa’is, translated to Persian by Shah Muhammad Qazvini, edited by ‘A.A. Hekmat, Tehran, 1323 sh, p.400).

Based on the existing information about Muhammad Kirmani as a poet, calligrapher and illuminator, and the fact that the Persian versification has so far not been recorded, it is possible that Muhammad al-mudhahhab (the illuminator) al-Kirmani is the poet and illuminator, as well the scribe of this manuscript.