text copied in a superior nasta‘liq script, with 22 lines to the page, arranged in 4 columns, two to a couplet; heading (on the recto) in riqa‘

47.3 x 31.7cm (folio); 27.2 x 17.1cm (written surface, recto); 24.5 x 17.1cm (illustration, verso)

Mihrab, with elephants, musicians and an honour guard, meets Sam and escorts him to Kabul. Waiting for them outside the palace is Mihrab’s wife, Sindukht, with 300 female slaves, each holding a golden cup brimming with gems or musk.

[For the Shahnamah of Shah Tahmasp, see MSS 1030]

J.M. Rogers, The Arts of Islam. Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection, London 2010, cat.303, pp.264 and 266.