A Manuscript of prayers, copied by Hajji Muhammad Ibrahim Qummi, Persia, Safavid, dated 1082 AH/1671 AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 29 leaves, plus 2 flyleaves, 9 lines to the page, written in Naskh script in black ink within gold-sprinkled cloud bands, reserved against a gold ground, margins ruled in colours and gold, headings in blue Thuluth script, opening illuminated headpiece decorated with intricate interlacing arabesques and split palmettes in colours and gold, binding with central calligraphic cartouches with floral borders  

In good overall condition, minor wear to spine, calligraphy strong and gold bright throughout manuscript, one page loose, as viewed.
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Hajji Muhammad Ibrahim Qummi was the brother of the famous artist Muhammad Zaman, and was an established artist working in the Royal Library of Shah Suleyman (r.1666-93). The format of lobed calligraphic medallions on a floral ground (as seen on lacquer pen-boxes as well as on the binding of the present manuscript) was originally devised by Hajji Muhammad, and became a design of great longevity over the following century. A fine lacquer pen-box signed by Hajji Muhammad was sold in these rooms 25 April 2002, lot 62.