Persian manuscript on paper, both quatrains with 4 lines of elegant and flowing diagonal text in nasta'liq script in black ink within cloudbands against a gold ground interspersed with flowers, the Mahmud Shah depicting a sitting man between the lines, triangular corner panels with floral decoration, both signed in the lower, one with eight further rectangular panels of script in the floral borders, both laid down on later album pages decorated with animals and vegetation

Both calligraphies in good overall condition, the Mahmud Shah with a minor loss to the top left calligraphic rectangular panel, ink strong; the other with fractionally less strong ink, slight rubbing to the top right triangular panel, a few small stains to the outer margins, otherwise good, 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."

inscriptions

1) Signed as Shah Mahmud Neshapuri (sic).
2) Copied in nasta'liq by Muhammad Salih. the absence of a date makes it hard to say which of the recorded Muhammad Salih this is.