FIRDAUSI (D.1020 AD), SHAHNAMEH, PERSIA, QAZWIN, SAFAVID, DATED 985 AH/1577 AD |

Persian manuscript on paper, 472 leaves plus 3 fly-leaves, 25 lines to the page text arranged in 4 columns, written in nasta’liq in black ink, titles in gold, f.3b and 4a with gold and polychrome shamsas followed by an opening bifolium with 12 lines of nasta’liq within clouds against a gold ground, surrounded by polychrome and gold scrolls against a blue ground, 22 miniature paintings, in contemporaneous gilt-stamped Safavid binding with fine polychrome doublures, with flap

Christie's, London, 11 July 1974, lot 8.

In good condition, the margins are clean, minor restoration, stains, the painting with minor flaking, the binding damaged, 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 finely illuminated manuscript contains 22 illustrations as follows: F.1b &2a: two paintings depicting a banquet
F.15b: Jamshid teaching the crafts
F.28b: Tur slays his brother Iris
F.34b: Manuchihr kills Salm
F.64b: The battle of Turanians and Persians: Rustam carries off Afrasiyab’s crown and girdle
F.72b: Rustam kills the white div
F.93b: Rustam slays his his son Sohrab
F.101b: The fire ordeal of Siyavush
F.135b: A party scene
F.174b: Rustam pulls Khaqan off his elephant with his kamund
F.181b: Rustam slays Puladwand
F.217b: Rustam spares Barzu
F.232b: Rustam witnesses an execution
F.272b: Rustam shoots Shughad through a tree from the pit
F.290b: Kay Khosrow puts to death Gersiwaz and Afrasiyab
F.306b: Gushtasp slays the dragon
F.331b: Shidah’s head being cut off after his defeat in wrestling with Kay Khusraw
F.347b: Arjasp killed by Isfendi
F.380b: A battle scene  
F.404b: The execution of Faramurz by Bahman
F.457b: The fight between Iskandar and Fur