An illustrated and illuminated leaf from a manuscript of Firdausi's Shahnameh: Rustam fighting Isfandiyar, copied by Hasan ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Ali ibn Husaini (al-Mausili), Persia, Shiraz, 741 AH/1341 AD

gouache heightened with gold on paper, 20 lines to the page, above and below the painting, written in small naskh script in black ink in 6 columns, red rules, the reverse with 30 lines of text, titles in larger black and red script

Painting: 9.8 by 24cm; text panel: 28.9 by 24cm; leaf: 35.9 by 29.3cm.

Condition Report:
Overall fair condition, the edges of the folio are slightly scuffed with minor tears and folds, small losses to paper at corners and at right edge. lower left corner and lower edge with repairs, light staining to paper overall, some darker areas of discolouration, minor smudging to ink but text is clear and legible, faint creases, the image with some rubbing to details and minor loss to pigments, the reverse with later identification inscription and museum inventory number in pencil in the lower margin, 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."