An Illustrated Manuscript of Nizami's Khamsa, Copied by Hajji Muhammad, Persia, Dated 1059 AH/1649 AD

Persian manuscript on paper, 333 folios, 21 lines to the pagewritten in fine Nasta'liq script in black ink, in four columns, separated by double intercolumnar rules, titles and rubrication in red ink, margins ruled in blue and gold, 5 illuminated headings, 34 18th century Qajar period miniatures, dark morocco binding, stamped and lacquered with central medallions and corner pieces filled with interlacing flowers

In good overall condition, occasional minor stains and paper repairs, pages clean and ink strong, spine rubbed, some small areas of flaking to some of the miniatures, 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."

Jamal Al-Di Abu Muhammad Ilyas Ibn Yusuf Ibn Zaki U'ayyad (known by his pen name Nizami) was one of the great Persian poets, and his five masterpieces are collectively known as the Khamsa. Please see lot 77 for an earlier Mughal version of Nizami's Khamsa, produced in the seventeenth century. The thirty-five miniatures in the present manuscript are as follows:

1. A king enthroned
2. Khusraw spies Shirin bathing
3. Court scene
4. Court scene with wine
5. Travellers on horseback
6. Court scene with wine
7. Musicians
8. Leila and Majnun at school
9. Leila in her tent
10. Majnun with the animals
11. Leila visits Majnun in the desert
12. Animals devouring corpses
13. Hunting scene
14. Hunting scene
15. Firneh carries the ox on her shoulders
16. Bahram Gur with the Indian princess in the black pavilion
17. Bahram Gur with the Moorish princess in the yellow pavilion
18. Bahram Gur with the Tartar princess in the green pavilion
19. Bahram Gur with the Russian princess in the red pavilion
20. Bahram Gur with the princess of Khvarazm in the blue pavilion 21. Bahram Gur with the Chinese princess in the sandlewood pavilion
22. Bahram Gur with the Greek princess in the white pavilion
23. Battle scene with elephants
24. Death of a warrior
25. Court scene with musicians
26. Iskandar's mirror
27. Banquet with musicians
28. Court scene with wine
29. Iskander entertained by musicians
30. Horsemen and trumpeters
31. Horsemen and trumpeters
32. Battle scene
33. Battle scene with elephants
34. Iskander and a maiden
35. Death of Iskandar