A calligraphic quatrain, signed by Mir ‘Ali, Persia, Safavid, 16th century

Persian manuscript on paper, 4 lines to the page, written in nasta’liq script in black ink within cloud bands set against a gold ground with polychrome flowers, triangular panels of illumination filled with fine interlacing vines and split-palmettes, signature in lower panel, laid down on album page, framed

In good condition, minor losses to the paint, minor smudges and minor holes, 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."

Mir ‘Ali al-Harawi was one of the greatest masters of Persian calligraphy. He learned his trade from Zayn al-din Mahmud and Sultan 'Ali Mashhadi, and worked at the court of the Timurid Sultan Husayn Mirza. He lived there until the capture of the city by the Uzbeks in 1528-29, when he, together with other artists, were taken to Bukhara. He was put in the charge of Prince ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Khan and worked in the Royal Library. After some sixteen years, he died in Herat. His recorded works are dated between 914 AH/1508-09 AD and 948 AH/1541-42 AD (Mehdi Bayani 1959, pp.126-31).