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A finely-illuminated calligraphic bifolium from a Bustan of Shaykh Musilh al-Din Sa’adi (d.1292 AD), copied by ‘Ali al-Husayni al-Katib, Persia, Safavid, Herat, 1525-26 AD
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- ink on paper
Persian manuscript on paper, 21 lines to the page, written in fine and elegant nasta’liq in four columns, f.2b with text arranged in alternating horizontal and diagonal panels flanked by triangles of gold and polychrome illumination, 9 illuminated headings set within gold-flecked margins, a seal impression on f.1a
Condition
In very good condition, minor stains and smudges to the ink but the illumination fine and crisp, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The colophon of the manuscript from which this bifolium originates is signed by 'Ali al-Husayni al-Katib and dated 932 AH/1526 AD. 'Ali al-Husayni al-Katib is identified by many as Mir ‘Ali al-Haravi, one of the most celebrated calligraphers of the sixteenth century.
Working under the patronage of the Timurids, Safavids and then, after the seizure of Herat in 1528, in Bukhara under the Shaybanid dynasty, Mir ‘Ali al-Haravi was a prolific calligrapher who, unusually for the time, sometimes allowed his students to sign pieces with his name. He was renowned for his style of nasta'liq and he was highly praised for his qit'as, especially during the Mughal period, as attested by the presence of his calligraphic panels in the Shah Jahan album in the Metropolitan Museum, New York (inv.no.55.121.10.39).
This manuscript was donated by Shah ‘Abbas (r.1588-1629 AD) to the dynastic shrine of Shaykh Safi at Ardabil in 1609. The shrine was sacked by the Russians in 1826 and many manuscripts from the library were dispersed. Two illustrated leaves from this manuscript were sold at Christie’s London, 21 April 2016, lot 100 and 101, whilst a calligraphic single leaf was offered in the same sale as lot 99.
Working under the patronage of the Timurids, Safavids and then, after the seizure of Herat in 1528, in Bukhara under the Shaybanid dynasty, Mir ‘Ali al-Haravi was a prolific calligrapher who, unusually for the time, sometimes allowed his students to sign pieces with his name. He was renowned for his style of nasta'liq and he was highly praised for his qit'as, especially during the Mughal period, as attested by the presence of his calligraphic panels in the Shah Jahan album in the Metropolitan Museum, New York (inv.no.55.121.10.39).
This manuscript was donated by Shah ‘Abbas (r.1588-1629 AD) to the dynastic shrine of Shaykh Safi at Ardabil in 1609. The shrine was sacked by the Russians in 1826 and many manuscripts from the library were dispersed. Two illustrated leaves from this manuscript were sold at Christie’s London, 21 April 2016, lot 100 and 101, whilst a calligraphic single leaf was offered in the same sale as lot 99.