An illuminated Book of Prayers, copied by Ahmad Al-Nayrizi, Persia, Isfahan, Safavid, dated 1119 AH/1707 AD

Arabic manuscript on gold-sprinkled paper, 32 leaves plus 2 flyleaves, remargined, 7 lines to the page, written in neat naskh script in black ink with Persian interlinear translation in red, verses separated by coloured flowerheads, illuminated opening headpiece composed of scrolling polychrome flowers and split-palmettes, catchwords, keywords and colophon in gold, prayer headings in illuminated panels, margins ruled in colours and gold, silk and leather binding with large leafy design

In good overall condition, a few minor stains but calligraphy bold and illumination bright, as viewed.
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Ahmad al-Nayrizi, best known for his distinctively Persian naskh script, was active between 1682 and 1739. Originally from the town of Nayriz in Fars, Nayrizi was one of the most important and prolific calligraphers of the late Safavid period.

He practised calligraphy under the supervision of Muhammad Ibrahim Ibn Muhammad Nasir Qumi, better known as Agha Ibrahim Qumi, who worked from 1659 to 1707. At some point in late seventeenth century Nayrizi settled in Isfahan, where Ibrahim Qumi was living, and where he came to the attention of Shah Sultan Husayn (r.1694-1722). The Shah and his court became important patrons of Nayrizi, who is reputed to have commanded large fees for his work; the total income he received over his lifetime is estimated to have reached 60,000 tumans, an incredible sum for the period.

Ahmad al-Nayrizi continued producing work of royal quality for almost two decades, and naskh calligraphers of later generations were proud to associate their skills with him. Three further examples of his work were sold in these rooms 1 April 2009, lot 11, (surah Yasin) and 6 April 2011, lots 219 and 221 (surah al-Waqia and prayers for each day of the week and a royal waqfnama). A single-volume Qu'ran by his hand can be found in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection (see Bayani et al [eds.], The Decorated Word, Vol.IV, 1999, vol.IV, p.128, no.53). For the latest work on the calligrapher see: M.H. Semsar, 'Ahmad Nayrizi' The Great Islamic Encylopaedia, vol.VII, Tehran, 1998, pp.100-108 and N.Safwat, The Art of the Pen, Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, 1996, pp.212-13).