Al-Kafiyyah Ibn Hajib,

£2,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

An interesting working copy of the well-known treatise on Arabic Grammar by Ibn al Hajib, copied here in a large-format elegant calligraphic form by Muhammad Sharif Harawi. An inscription at the front of the volume indicates ownership by Muhammad Ali Mirza, likely commissioned for personal use and study of the Arabic language. Single volume, decorated manuscript on paper, in Arabic, 127 leaves, 290 x 170 mm; single column, 7 lines large black naskh with smaller interlinear annotations made in nasta'liq, some important phrases and words in red, text-block framed within multiple rulings of red, yellow and black, catch-words throughout, some smudges, leaves re-margined throughout, some early worm-holes, early seal impression to first leaf, British Library letter loosely inserted; contemporary red leather boards, decorated with embossed paper central medallions and corner-pieces, some loss to paper, edges repaired, rebacked with new endpapers inserted, covers with later ruling, edges stained blue.

• Binding: Hardcover

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