Persian text on paper, 346 leaves, plus 3 flyleaves, 33 lines to the page, printed in nasta’liq script in black ink, 6 hand-coloured illuminated headpieces and 58 hand-coloured illustrations, in red leather binding with gilt-stamped trellis decoration, with scroll-work borders

In overall good condition, some tears throughout the manuscript with associated repairs, occasional various stains and darkening to the leaves, binding worn, 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 copy of Firdausi's Shahnamah belongs to one of the earliest and most renowned editions of the Shahnameh made for a Muslim patron, from an original manuscript copied by the scribe Muhammad Ibrahim (known as Aqa son of Muhammad Husayn Khan Awliya Sami’ al-Shirazi). The first lithographed Shahnameh of this type was made in Bombay for Aga Muhammad Baqir al-Shirazi in 1849, but the present version belongs to the edition produced six years later, using master Persian craftsmen for the text and illustrations. A further hand-coloured and illuminated edition of this Shahnameh was sold in these rooms, 9 April 2014, lot 85.