A calligraphic quatrain, signed by Ahmad al-Husayni (d.1578-79), Persia, Safavid, 16th century

Persian manuscript on paper, 4 lines to the page, written in nasta’liq script in black ink within cloud bands against a gold ground decorated with interlacing flowers, 24 side cartouches filled with nasta’liq, signature in lower panel, laid down on album page, framed

In overall good condition, minor stains and losses to the ink, minor smudges, 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."

Born in Mashhad, Ahmad al-Husayni moved to Herat and became a pupil of the famous Mir ‘Ali. At the fall of Herat, he was taken to Bukhara where he worked for a period at the court of ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Khan as a calligrapher. He then later returned to Mashhad and worked at the Safavid court of Shah Tahmasp. It is said that all correspondence with the Ottomans was written by him in a large hand. In Mashhad he copied texts and taught students, later working at the court of Mir Murad Khan, Governor of Mazandaran. He joined Shah Isma’il’s court in Qazvin and died in Mazandaran in 1578-79. His recorded works are dated between 965 AH/1557-8 AD and 982 AH/1574-75 AD (Bayani 1959, pp.138-41).