Courtiers drinking by a stream, a leaf from a Divan-e Hafez attibutable to Muhammad 'Ali, Persia, Safavid, circa 1660

ink and gouache heightened with gold on paper, ruled in blue and gold, reverse with a full ghazal of Hafez in nasta'liq script arranged in horizontal and diagonal panels, framed

In good overall condition, silver of stream oxidised, smudged inscription to leg of figure to lower right, colours and gold bright, 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."

This drinking scene can be compared to others, probably from two dispersed manuscripts of the Divan-e Hafez illustrated by Muhammad 'Ali and Muhammad Yusuf, including one sold in these rooms, 13 December 1972, lot 176, and another published in Soudavar 1992, p.297, no.125 (formerly in the Binney Collection). Both paintings share with the present the same wispy clouds and heart-shaped leaves, as well the small flowering shrubs amid the figures. The two manuscripts of the Divan-e Hafez each contained around five hundred drawings of this type, and parts of them are housed in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin (MS 299) and the Topkapi Saray Library, Istanbul (H.1010).