Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi (d.1273 AD), the six books of the Mathnawi, copied by Ahmad al-Sakaki al-Shirazi, Persia, Safavid, dated 1068-69 AH/1657-58 AD

Persian manuscript on paper, 308 leaves, 24 lines to the page, text arranged in 4 columns, written in fine naskh script in black ink, headings in red, ruled in gold and blue, gold and polychrome opening double page decorated with a fine interlace of floral scrolls, 5 further illuminated headpieces at the start of each book, in later brown stamped leather binding

In reasonably good condition, the margins have been trimmed and with annotations, possibly some pages missing, few folios with catchwords missing, warm holes, various stains and holes, restoration on some of the pages and minor tears, some pages loose, smudges to the ink, the illuminated panels with minor losses, ownership seals and annotations, the later binding restored and with minor losses, 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."

Three colophons record dates as follows:

Book three: 22 Rabi I 1068 AH/28 December 1657 AD.
Book four: 4 Rabi 1068 AH/7 April 1658 AD.
Book five: 8 Safr 1069 AH/11 November 1658 AD.