PROBABLY SAFAVID HERAT, DATED MUHARRAM AH 976/JUNE-JULY 1568 AD

Two manuscripts from Safavid Herat were sold in these Rooms on 25 June 2020, lot 53 and 31 March 2022, lot 2. Both featured exquisite and opulent illumination of a similar style.

Hossein Khadjeh Nouri, born in Iran in 1901, was an accomplished economist who studied in Germany before returning to his homeland to serve as undersecretary for the ministry of finance during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi (r.1925-41). While he excelled in his professional career, Hossein had an unwavering passion for the cultural and artistic heritage of Iran, a love that was deeply ingrained in him through his familial ancestral links to Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar.

Throughout his life, Hossein pursued his passion as an avid collector and enthusiast of literature, poetry, and art. He was particularly drawn to the philosophy and storytelling of notable poets and scholars and devoted much of his time and resources to amassing a diverse collection of poetic and historical materials.

Hossein's opportunities to travel extensively throughout Iran allowed him to build his collection, which included works acquired from noblemen and political figures with whom he had contact. His collection eventually included a large number of important and richly illuminated Persian manuscripts from the 14th-19th century, a few of which are now being offered for sale.