A leaf from a Shahnamah, in nasta'liq, from Aurangzeb's time

Source: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/search/LotDetail.asp?sid=&intObjectID=4160792&SE=CMWCAT04+109383+300410687+&QR=M+1+102+Aqc0000900+99952++Aqc0000900+&entry=india&SU=1&RQ=True&AN=103
(downloaded Sept. 2003)

"ABU'L QASIM FIRDAWSI (D. AH 416/1025 AH): SHAHNAMEH. Mughal India, before AH 1091/1680-1 AD. Persian manuscript on paper, 474ff. with 21ll. of black nasta'liq in four gold-outlined columns, titles in red, text block outlined with gold, red and green rules, with seven miniatures in gouache heightened with gold, opening folio with illuminated heading, opening flyleaf and final folio with seal impression of John .... Bahadur and dated 1192, f.333a with seal impression of an official of 'Alamagir dated 1091, some probable lacunae, some folios misbound, text block of final few folios loose, black morocco binding. Folio 14¾ x 8¾in. (37.2 x 22cm.); text 9 x 5½in. (23 x 14cm.)

Lot Notes: This Shahnameh dates from the period of Aurangzeb and has a seal impression of an official of his dated 1091. The large seal impression on the opening and closing folios is of a British official. It reads: fakhr al-dawla mu'azzam al-mulk john ... bahadur firuz jang 1192, "The pride of the state, honoured in the kingdom John ... Bahadur Victorious in battles, 1192." (1778 AD)."