Lot 52
- 52
An illuminated album of calligraphy, signed by Ikhtiyar al-Munshi, Persia, Safavid, dated 972 AH/1564-65 AD
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- ink on paper, bound
Persian manuscript on coloured paper, 5 leaves, 5 or 6 lines to the page, remargined, written in elaborate shikasteh nasta'liq script in alternating white, black, blue, gold or red ink, ruled in gold, blue and green, opening illuminated headpiece composed of interlacing vines against blue and gold grounds, reddish-brown morocco binding with gilt stamped medallions
Condition
In generally good condition, the margins have been trimmed but are clean, minor water and various stains, minor holes and scratches, minor restorations to the paper mainly on the edges, the binding slightly 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Khwaja Ikhtiyar Ibn 'Ali Gunabadi Munshi, the most celebrated calligrapher of the style known as ta'liq or shikasteh ta'liq, was born in Gunabad but lived in Herat and worked as a secretary at the court of the Safavid prince Sultan Muhammad Mirza, son of Shah Tahmasp, in Herat for about thirty years. His signed pieces are dated between 1538 and 1563 AD (M.H. Semsar, Ikhtiyar Munshi, The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia, edited by K. Musavi Bojnurdi, vol.VII, Tehran, 1998, pp.175-8).
Two pages of ta'liq calligraphy by Ikhtiyar al-Munshi were sold in these rooms 22 April 1999, lot 33, whilst a calligraphic page in shikasteh ta'liq script was included among a group of Safavid calligraphies sold at Christie's 8 April 2008, lot 189.
Two pages of ta'liq calligraphy by Ikhtiyar al-Munshi were sold in these rooms 22 April 1999, lot 33, whilst a calligraphic page in shikasteh ta'liq script was included among a group of Safavid calligraphies sold at Christie's 8 April 2008, lot 189.