4to (9 7/8 x 3 3/4 in.; 251 x 171mm). 30pp. manuscript text in red, black, and blue ink, margins with multiple rules in blue, red, green and gilt, several leaves with illuminations of intricate arabesques and floral motifs in blue, red, pink, orange, silver and gilt; leaves brittle, some loose. Later full brown limp calf trimmed with black, overs with double rules, cornerpieces, decorative border, and filigree centrepiece, all gilt; some rubbing to spin and corners.  

4to (9 7/8 x 3 3/4 in.; 251 x 171mm). 30pp. manuscript text in red, black, and blue ink, margins with multiple rules in blue, red, green and gilt, several leaves with illuminations of intricate arabesques and floral motifs in blue, red, pink, orange, silver and gilt; leaves brittle, some loose. Later full brown limp calf trimmed with black, overs with double rules, cornerpieces, decorative border, and filigree centrepiece, all gilt; some rubbing to spin and corners.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

A stunningly illuminated horoscope, with mentions of the Persian king, Nasir al-Din ShahThe horoscope opens by mentioning the science of astrology, with quotes from Shi’i authors, starting with ‘Ali ibn Tawus, and what he reported from various Shi’i Imams on the subject. The main text pertains to predictions for the year, starting with the spring equinox, which fell on 29 Dhu’l-hajjah, corresponding to the 21 March 1871 (in our modern calculation it falls on 22 March). The author also gives corresponding dates in numerous calendars. The horoscope is calculated for the Nasiri Capital City (i.e. Tehran). In the text and in the marginal notes, the scribe or author occasionally gives good wishes to the king without mentioning his name (presumably Nasir al-Din Shah, who reigned from 1848-96). Each pair of pages addresses a single month, and gives equivalents dates in Christian (with the author calling it French), Roman, and Russian.  These are complete with signs of the zodiac, and possible events on given days (in red) in the right columns. All recommendations for what to do—or not to do—on various days of the month are recorded in the wide central column.