A prince and princess on a terrace with musicians and attendants, probably Malkos Raga, Mughal or possibly Mughal style at Jaipur, 1740-60, with calligraphy signed by Mir Sheikh al-Purani, dated 936 AH/1539-40 AD

gouache heightened with gold on paper, laid down on album leaf, wide inner border with gold floral designs and blue rules, narrow outer border of green and orange, reverse with a panel bearing a quatrain written in gold, blue, orange and white nasta'liq calligraphy, wide gold flecked green outer border and narrow maroon, blue and cream inner borders with gold, white and orange rules

Painted area in generally good condition, colours fairly bright, slight creasing and minor paint loss. Borders with some rubbing and scuffs. Reverse with some scuff marks and old tape remnants, some paint loss, and thin scratches on inscription surface. 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 calligrapher Mir Sheikh al-Purani worked in Bukhara in the second quarter of the sixteenth century. Another work by him dated 1533 in Bukhara is in the Ali Akbar Maktabi Collection, Beirut.