Persian manuscript on thin paper, 15 leaves, 13 lines to the page written in one or two columns of nasta'liq script in black ink, double intercolumnar rules in gold, inner margins ruled in blue, red and gold, catchwords, headings in red, one illuminated headpiece in colours and gold, worming crudely repaired, creased, modern beige cloth, dampstaining to lower parts of covers
240 x 145 mm.

Footnotes

There is a note by the late Simon Digby on the flyleaf at the beginning regarding the Nawab Muhsin-ad-Dawlah, mentioned on folio 5a, identifying him with the Lucknow prince with this title, who was Nawab Wazir of Lucknow between 1814 and 1819, assumed the title of Padishah in 1819, and died in 1827.

The last folio is in a different hand and there are folios missing (catchwords do not match). There is a scribe's name (on the last line of the prose page in the middle of the manuscript), which is not an Islamic or Persian name. It appears to read 'Aqbah Naha.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
For all Sales categories, buyer's premium excluding Cars, Motorbikes, Wine, Whisky and Coin & Medal sales, will be as follows:
Buyer's Premium Rates
28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price;
27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000;
21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 up to and including £4,500,000;
and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Islamic and Indian Art
- Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art

•	Exempt from VAT
	Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium.

A selection of poems by Fath 'Ali Shah Qajar (reg. 1797-1834), pen-name Khaqan, and his poet laureate Fath 'Ali Khan Saba, copied for Nawab Muhsin al-Dawla Bahadur India, probably Lucknow, first half of the 19th Century

Own a similar item?

Looking for a similar item?

Ask about this lot

Oliver White