Sa'adi, Golestan and Bustan, Persia, Safavid, probably Shiraz, dated 1006 AH/1598 AD

Persian manuscript on paper,138 leaves plus 10 flyleaves, 18 lines to the page, written horizontally and diagonally in neat nasta'liq script on a gold-sprinkled ground, keywords picked out in blue, margins ruled in colours and gold, illuminated foliate cornerpieces and heading panels throughout, opening of Golestan with a finely illuminated polychrome headpiece comprising interlacing split-palmettes and scrolling vines within strapwork borders, further illuminated headpiece with corresponding decoration at start of Bustan, 2 miniatures in gouache heightened with gold, vestiges of contemporary lacquer binding (reversed) with animals amid foliage, boards comprising cartouche borders with remnants of cut-leather filigreework, gilt-stamped central panel with chinoiserie cloud bands, with flap   

In generally good overall condition, binding rubbed, repaired and reversed, some marginal paper repairs, miniatures slightly rubbed, illumination bright and ink bold, lacking at least last folio, a few minor stains and smudges, 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."

The first of the two miniatures is from the fifth majlis of Sa'adi's prose rasa'il. It depicts the story of a man who went to the land of infidels and saw three hundred heads hanging from its palace. He was told they were the heads of the those physicians who could not cure the ruler's daughter of her madness.

The second miniature with the haloed man is from the Bustan of Sa'adi: the daughter of the generous Hatim before the Prophet.