NUR AL-DIN ‘ABD AL-RAHMAN JAMI (D.1492), LAYLA WA MAJNUN, COPIED BY SULTAN MUHAMMAD KHANDAN, PERSIA, SAFAVID, DATED 921 AH/1515 AD |

Persian manuscript on paper, 125 leaves plus 4 fly-leaves, 15 lines to the page written in black nasta’liq within 2 columns separated by floral scrolls of blue or gold or black, ruled in red, green, gold and black, headings and colophon in gold nasta’liq outlined in black within clouds against a blue ground decorated with floral scrolls, triangular illuminated markers in the margins, the opening and final bifolium with polychrome and gold illumination and the text within clouds against a hatched red ground, in a brown leather binding decorated with gilt-stamped medallions

In generally good condition, the margins have been cropped, the illumination in between the two columns of text is probably later, minor repainting to the opening folio, restorations to the paper, stains and one binding loose, several ownership stamps, 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."

Sultan Muhammed Khandan was the leading student of Sultan 'Ali Mashhadi (Roxburgh 2001, p.62). He worked in Herat and at the beginning of his career was under the patronage of Mir 'Alishir Nava'i. A prolific calligrapher, works by him are recorded between 915 and 992 AH/1509-10/1584-85 AD (Bayani 1988, pp.268-271). Several calligraphies signed by Sultan Muhammed Khandan can be found in various museums and private collections, see for example Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum (inv. no.1985.263) and pages in an album now in the Topkapi Palace Museum (inv. no.H.2356). Works by the scribe were sold in Sotheby’s Paris, 22 October 2015, lot 9; Bonham's London 13 October 2005, lot 27; Christie's London, 7 October 2008, lot 305, and 13 April 2010, lot 174.