Manuchihr slays Sam, an illustrated leaf from a manuscript of Firdausi's Shahnama, SHIRAZ, PERSIA, circa 1560

Gouache with use of gold on paper, 25 lines to the page written on gold-sprinkled cream paper in four columns of nasta'liq script in black ink, intercolumnar double rules decorated with foliage in gold on blue ground or black on gold ground, inner margins ruled in colours and gold, 2 illuminated headings in nasta'liq script in white on gold ground decorated with intertwining floral motifs, outer borders richly decorated with animals and birds in silver and gold

right hand side of illustration torn, some creasing and one stain on text side, otherwise overall good condition, 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."

The other half of the frontispiece from the same manuscript is now in the Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Harvard (inv. no. 2002.50.37).

Four paintings from the same manuscript were sold in these rooms on 5 April 2006, lots 39-43.

For further reading on similar illustrated manuscripts from the school of Shiraz refer to: Uluç, L., Turkman governors, Shiraz artisans and Ottoman collectors – Sixteenth century Shiraz manuscripts, Istanbul, 2006.