Rumi, Mathnawi, illuminated Persian manuscript, Persia, Timurid, dated Sunday 15th Muharram, 883 AH/1478 AD

Persian manuscript on paper, 329 leaves, plus 7 flyleaves, 21 lines to the page written in four columns of naskh script in black ink, double intercolumnar rules in gold, catchwords, headings written within panels in thuluth script in gold within cloudbands, opening illuminated double page frontispiece, decorated with a rigorous and complex pattern of interlacing split-palmettes, flowering vines and stellar motifs, the text in cloudbands set against a hatched ground, titles in white ornamental Kufic script, 4 further illuminated headpieces with ensuite decoration, contemporary reddish brown morocco richly decorated with stamped floral motifs, border tooled in gold, doublures of red morocco decorated with central medallions and cornerpieces of leather filigree on blue grounds, with flap

In good overall condition, spine rebacked and slightly worn, outer boards with a few minor losses and rubbed patches, gilt mainly intact, filigree doublures in generally good condition with some mild scuffs, illumination within the manuscript bright and strong, some small areas of repair to paper on opening double page and a few nibbles and creases to paper edges, main text ink bold and gold bright, pages generally clean, occasional small stains, penultimate page with some repair to outer margin, some waterstaining to the outer margins, decreasing towards the final third of the manuscript, 2 illuminated heading pages marked in the outer leaf edge, 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."