52 leaves of text + 12 miniature gouache paintings on 8 leaves. 21.5x15.5 cm. (8½x6"), lacquered boards with floral designs on interior and exterior of covers, leather spine.
Striking manuscript of the famous Persian tragic romance by the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi (1141–1209) , with striking hand-executed plates of noblemen, enchanting maidens (one bathing nude by a river - evidently Queen Shirin herself), her hand-maiden holding up a blanket to protect her from prying eyes), etc. There are a four blank spaces where evidently mounted illustrations have been removed.