An illustrated and illuminated leaf from a manuscript of Nizami's Kheradnameh: Alexander on his voyage to India, Persia, Shiraz, Timurid, 15th century

ink and gouache heightened with gold and silver on paper, 10 lines to the page above and below the painting, written in black nasta'liq script, arranged in four columns, laid down on an album page, the upper buff border inscribed in gold script with the name of the Safavid ruler ''Shah Sultan Husayn'' and bearing his seal impression dated 1125 AH/1713-14 AD, the margins with gilt decoration comprising birds, animals and demon masks within cusped cartouches amidst scrolling vegetation, the reverse laid down on later card, with a calligraphic panel comprising 15 lines of text partially visible

Painting: 10.5 by 10.8cm; text panel: 17.9 by 10.9cm; leaf: 34.2 by 21.9cm.

Condition Report:
The borders and margins with areas of discolouration, gold details in the margins slightly rubbed, the text panel and image with minor areas of wormholing and a minor associated tear, light staining to text panel, faint horizontal creases to lower left quadrant, the image with very minor losses to pigments, the silver pigment with tarnish but the overall colours are strong, 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."