A commentary on Rumi's Masnavi, in nasta'liq, 1514/5

Source: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/search/LOTDETAIL.ASP?sid=&intObjectID=4272366&SE=CMWCAT03+652592+%2D763195781+&QR=M+1+0+Aqc0000900+621007++Aqc0000900+&entry=india&SU=1&RQ=True&AN=1
(downloaded Apr. 2004)

"PARTS OF A COMMENTARY ON THE MATHNAVI OF MAWLANA JALAL AL-DIN RUMI COPIED BY MIR 'ALI, SAFAVID IRAN, AH 920/1514-15 AD. Persian manuscript on gold-sprinkled cream paper, 14ff. with 8ll. of fine black nasta'liq, some lines within gold rules, each folio margined with coloured paper with gold floral illumination, opening folio with illuminated heading, final folio signed by 'Ali al-Katib and dated 920, plus another short work of 8ff. on pink paper, 17th century red morocco binding with flap with gold tooled medallions and spandrels. Folio 8 7/8 x 5½in. (22.4 x 13.7cm.).

Lot Notes: The notes on the opening flyleaf are all by members of the Qajar Royal family:

The first is a possession note of 'Abdullah 'Ala' al-Mulk who signs himself as 'Abdullah Mustawfi son of Muhammad Nabi al-Qazwini, with his seal impression underneath. The grandson of Fath 'Ali Shah, through the female line, he held various posts during his lifetime and was Governor of Hamadan .

The lengthiest notes states that 'this album includes parts of a commentary on the mathnavi of Rumi and is copied by Mir 'Ali, the master of Mir 'Imad and it is one of his most excellent works'. It was given as a gift by 'Ala' al-Mulk to the library of Prince 'Itizad al-Saltana, the Minister of Sciences and Mines in Ramadan 1296/August-September 1879. His seal impression is under the note.

'Ali Quli Mirza 'Itizad al-Saltana (d. 1298/1879) was the 54th son of Fath 'Ali Shah and is described as one of the most learned princes of the period who wrote poetry under the pen-name Fakhri. He held numerous posts and accompanied Nasir al-Din Shah to Europe in 1290/1873-4.

The latest note was written by 'Izz al-Dawla in Khali Abad on 11 Sha'ban 1299/28 June 1882. 'Abd al-Samad Mirza 'Izz al-Dawla was the third son of Muhammad Shah, Nasir al-Din Shah's younger brother. He held the post of Governor in several minor states and also accompanied Nasir al-Din Shah to Europe in 1290.

Bamdad, M.: Dictionary of National Biography of Iran, 1700-1900, vol.2, Tehran, 1966, pp. 294-6; 442-8; 268-70.
Mir 'Ali was not the teacher of Mir 'Imad, but certainly influenced his work."