Divan of Mir 'Alishir Nava'i with three illustrations, Persia, Safavid, mid-16th century

Persian manuscript on paper, 72 leaves plus 2 flyleaves, f.1a with a shamsa filled with a rigorous interlace of split-palmettes in colours and gold, following page with an ensuite illuminated headpiece, headings in various colours, 14 lines to the page, written in fine Nasta'liq script in black ink, numerous illuminated corner pieces and panels, 3 miniatures depicting scenes of outdoor leisure and polo, in later ebru binding, one board missing

In generally good overall condition, some areas of waterstaining, small tear to opening leaf headpiece, one binding board missing, 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."

Two copies of the present work, produced in Tabriz in the first three decades of the sixteenth century, are now in the Topkapi Saray Museum (TSMK H. 895, see Agâh Sırrı Levend, Türk Edebiyatında Şehrengizler ve Şehrengizlerde İstanbul, Istanbul 1958, p.160; TSMK. R. 803, see Fehmi Edhem Karatay, Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi Kütüphanesi Türkçe Yazmalar Katalogu, Istanbul, 1961, p.103).