Property from an Important Private Collection Maktabi Shirazi (d.1510 circa) Kitab Layla w Majnun, signed al-‘Abd Hajji al-(…), Safavid Persia, dated 902 AH/1496-7 AD, Persian manuscript on paper, 109 leaves, 11 lines to the page, written in black nasta’liq, within 2 columns, ruled in gold and black, titles in gold or blue, f.1b with a gold and polychrome heading, in brown leather binding with gilt stamped medallion, the doublures with decoupe over blue ground, text panel 12 x 5.5cm.; 17.5 x 9.7cm Note: Maktabi Shirazi, known through his penname as no record survives of his actual name, lived in the late 15th century and extensively travelled in India, Khorassan and Arabia; he wrote the poem Layla w Majnun in 895 AH/1489-90 AD, making this one of the earliest copies of this work recorded; the poem was particularly popular in Qajar time, when it was abundantly copied: A copy dated 1254 AH is now in the Hardvard Museum, inv.no.2014.401; other Qajar examples have sold at Bonhams, London, 26 October 2020, lot 48; and Bonhams London, 24 April 2018, lot 144 Condition report: In good condition, minor losses to the illumination, some stains and rubbing, some quires loose, several ownership inscriptions, minor damages to the binding, as viewed.