Persian MS 35 (The John Rylands Research Institute and Library, The University of Manchester)

Binding

Resewn on fve recessed cords, laced into the original boards. Edges trimmed, fully gilt, with front-bead decorative endbands of russet and ochre coloured silk threads sewn at head and tail. Spine and board edges hemmed in full dark navy blue pebble-grained morocco leather, hollow-backed, over the original boards, . Flyleaves of "snail"-patterned marbled paper, as well as rectangular panels adhered to the centres of the doublures.

Seventeenth-century binding of good quality, subsequently restored, possibly by Fazakerley of Liverpool for former owner with gilt morocco back ('NIZAMI'S WORKS. PERSIAN MANUSCRIPT. M. DC.') and edges. The outer surfaces each have a central gilt panel very finely tooled in relief with animals and birds round a large central tree with clouds above. Above and below are two narrow gilt panels each containing two pheasants and foliage in relief. These are surrounded by a frame composed of six panels of inlaid red leather, with verses cut out in fine nasta'liq. The writing and its background of foliated scrolls were formerly inlaid with white and green leather respectively, but most of this has disappeared. The panels are separated by gilt rosettes. There is also an outer frame of inlaid gilt relief panels and corner-pieces of foliated scroll-work. The black morocco background to these various panels is painted with leafy designs in gold, but much of this has worn away. The central panels of the doublores have been replaced by marbled paper, matching the present end-papers. Above and below them are oblong panels of finely cut-out gilt floral scrolls (damaged) on green ground. The whole is enclosed in a frame of gilt cut-out scrolls set in blue panels, and corner-pieces.

264 × 160 × 45 mm.

Handle binding with caution. In fair but stable condition with extensive abrasion and losses to the exterior and interior original decoration, the later board edges, and headcaps. Boxed.