An illustration from a manuscript of Firdausi's Shahnameh: Bahram Gur and Azadeh in the hunting field, India, Mughal, circa 1600, repainted circa 1800 at Delhi

gouache heightened with gold on paper, mounted on an album page with nineteenth-century floral borders, reverse with a central panel containing a floral design with birds, gold-flecked blue borders

Ex-collection Julius and Jay Bisno, California.

In reasonably good condition, creases, repaint and minor holes and stains, 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 miniature was once part of an early Mughal manuscript of the Shahnameh of Firdausi, the famous Persian epic in which the story of Bahram Gur and Azadeh features. Around two centuries later in Delhi the miniature was retouched – the faces being the most obvious result of this – and the two original text panels bearing the verses from the poem were overpainted. The text panels are still just discernible: the upper one runs across the golden sky above the purple rocks; the lower one is below the figures and purple rocks near the lower edge. At the same time the miniature was mounted on an album page with floral borders, imitating the general style of the Shah Jahan period.