MUSTAFA IBN ABD AL-RAHMAN.

£36,000 · Offered by Sokol Books

The genre of ‘advice literature’ was popular not only in the 16th century Islamic world, but at the same time in Western Europe, giving readers recommendations on how to be a good ruler, minister, or Muslim/Christian. The author of this work identifies it as a translation of the Pand-nama of Khwaja ‘Abdullah al-Ansari,’ the Afghan polymath of the 11th century. The text also includes a second text entitled the Tyhfat al-Wuzara, for which no author is given. The popularity of the genre meant that such texts were common, often associated with the great authorities of the past to lend them weight. The text is given the title Tuhfat al-Salatin (a Gift for Sultans) and signed by Mustafa ibn Abd al-Rahman, who also identifies himself as the translator – and presumably – editor. This would make this an autograph copy of unusual quality, doubtless intended for presentation. Indeed, the lengthy dedication to Sultan Murad III (r. 1574-95), whose name appears highlighted in gold throughout, may indicate that this manuscript was a gift for a sultan in more than name only. A further manuscript signed by the same scribe, also written in a strong nasta’liq, was sold to Sotheby’s London, 24 April 2013, lot 28. The quality of the calligraphy throughout this manuscript is exceptional, more typical of single-page calligraphic compositions than full manuscripts. The effect is enhanced with the use of dyed paper, gold speckling, and extensive chrysography, as well as beautifully gi

• Binding: Hardcover

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