- 39
AN OPENING DOUBLE PAGE FRONTISPIECE FROM A MANUSCRIPT OF NIZAMI'S MAKHZAN AL-ASRAR, PERSIA OR TURKEY, LATE 15TH CENTURY
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
- Ink, color and gold
- 5 3/4 x 3 inches
Manuscript bifolium, ink, opaque watercolour and gold on paper, folio 1a with illuminated shamsa, folios 1b-2a with opening double page frontispiece, folio 2b with a full page of text with 17 lines of small, fine nasta'liq script written horizontally and diagonally in three columns
Provenance
Adrienne Minassian, NewYork, 1955
Condition
In fair overall condition, some staining to outer margins and areas of smudging within text, illlumination bold and gold bright, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
These folios originate from a manuscript of Nizami's Makhzan al-Asrar of jewel-like quality. The nasta`liq script is very fine and small, and written with a lightness of touch which is very rhythmic. The illumination is also finely executed in a style associated with late 15th-century Timurid or Turkman schools. However, there are certain small details which are reminiscent of Ottoman work of the same period, and it is possible that this manuscript was of Turkish rather than Persian origin.