A fine illuminated frontispiece from a manuscript of Nizami's Sharaf-nameh Persia, or perhaps India, 16th Century Persian manuscript on paper, 14 lines to the page written in nasta'liq in black ink in four columns within cloudbands on a gold ground, intercolumnar rules with gold scrolling motifs on a blue ground, inner margins ruled in colours and gold, illuminated headpiece in colours and gold with a heading in white nasta'liq within a cartouche 308 x 155 mm. Footnotes: Provenance Property from a distinguished private collection, London. A note on the backboard compares the illumination with that of a large Qur'an copied and decorated in the Deccan, Golconda, circa 1560-1600, sold at Sotheby's, Oriental Manuscripts and Miniatures, 27th April 1994, lot 17. Important Notice to Buyers Some countries, e.g., the US, prohibit or restrict the purchase by its citizens (wherever located) and/or the import of certain types of works of particular origins. As a convenience to buyers, Bonhams has marked with the symbol R all lots of Iranian (Persian), Syrian or Afghan origin. It is each buyer's responsibility to ensure that they do not bid on or import a lot in contravention of the sanctions or trade embargoes that apply to them. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: R R This lot is subject to import restrictions when shipped to the United States. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing