An Album of calligraphy, signed by Ali al-Katib al-Sultani, Persia, Safavid, 16th century

Persian manuscript on paper in 8 leaf concertina form, each leaf comprising a central panel of 2-4 lines of text, written in Nasta'liq script in black ink, with various panels and borders decorated with scrolling floral motifs in colours and gold, laid down on later album pages, final folio with signature, opening 2 leaves bearing later drawings of a male figure and a bird perched on a shrub, the former signed 'ya sahib al-Ziyan', later binding with embroidered boards

In generally good overall condition, some small areas of foxing and smudging, final leaf coming loose, 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 text includes examples for writing certain joint letters as well as text in prose and verse in nasta'liq copied by 'Ali al-Katib al-Sultani ('Ali the Royal scribe). The scribe is the celebrated Mir 'Ali al-Harawi. One of the two water colour paintings bears ya sahib al-zaman, which is the form various painters with the name Muhammad Zaman signed their work.  It is possible that he is the nineteenth-century painter, who is called by Karimzadeh as Muhammad Zaman V and whose earliest and only recorded water colour work is dated 1218 AH/1803-4 AD). His recorded lacquered works are dated as late as 1242 AH/1826-7 AD (see Tabrizi 1990, pp.822-3).