Manuscript of the Divan of Sa’di, with lacquer binding

The manuscript opens with double illuminated text pages. The text is copied in nasta`liq script in two columns,15 lines to a page. The colophon on the last page of the manuscript provides the name of the patron, Mirza Muhammad Taqi Khan Mu'ayyad al-Mulk and copied in red ink, the name of the scribe, 'Ali Naqi al-Sharif al-Shirazi, and the date 1339 H. (1920-1921). The lacquer covers are signed by Mahmud Muzahhib-Bashi (Mahmud the Illuminator) dated 1340 H. (1921-1922). The outer covers are decorated with a large central medallion and corner pieces that are filled with flowering intertwining branches. The inner covers are decorated with a large iris painted in gold on dark brown.