SHEIKH MUSLIH AL-DIN SA'DI (D. AH 691/1292 AD): GULISTAN

SHEIKH MUSLIH AL-DIN SA'DI (D. AH 691/1292 AD): GULISTAN
SAFAVID SHIRAZ, IRAN, CIRCA 1575
Persian manuscript on gold-speckled cream paper, 159ff. plus six fly-leaves, each folio with a main text panel with 12ll. of black nasta'liq organized in one or two columns with illuminated intercolumnar divisions, the main panel framed by illuminated borders, further text written marginally on the diagonal within gold and polychrome rules, some words picked out in gold, titles in white nasta'liq on gold ground within illuminated cartouches, with triangular illuminated medallions along the borders, some with the signs of the Zodiac, each folio heavily illuminated, opening folio with illuminated headpiece and text within cloud bands on gold ground, with three original miniatures, in modern gilt green morocco binding with flap, text panels coming out of their frames, loose in binding
Text panel 7 7/8 x 4¼in. (20 x 11cm.); folio 11¼ x 7 3/8in. (28.5 x 18.8cm.)