AN ILLUMINATED BOOK OF PRAYERS, COPIED BY AHMAD AL-NAYRIZI, PERSIA, SAFAVID, FIRST QUARTER 18TH CENTURY |

Arabic manuscript on paper, 8 leaves, 9 lines to the page written in naskh in black ink within clouds again a gold ground, ruled in red, gold and blue, the margins with gold bunches of flowers, headings written in gold against a blue ground, f.1b with a polychrome and gold illuminated heading, in leather later binding

In generally good condition, the margins are clean, minor smudges 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."

Ahmad al-Nayrizi was one of the most prolific calligraphers of the Safavid period. Born in Nayriz in Fars, he studied calligraphy under Muhammad Ibrahim ibn Muhammad Nasir Qumi, also known as Aqa Ibrahim Qumi (active between 1659 and 1707). Al-Nayrizi later moved to Isfahan and became the court calligrapher during the reign of Shah Sultan Husayn (r.1694-1722). A prayerbook dated 1132 AH/1719 AD is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv.no. 2003.239 ). Other collections of prayers have been offered in these rooms, 8 October 2014, lot 49; 6 April 2011, lot 221 and 1 April 2009, lot 11 and 25 April 2015, lot 42.