FERDOWSI, Shahnameh Composite Manuscript, Safavid Iran, 16th century Composite manuscript containing fragments of different manuscripts on Persian nasta'liq paper in black ink. Introduced by two folios of a first manuscript of 19 lines spread over four columns and introduced by a sarlow frontispiece illuminated in gold and polychrome, giving the title in a cartouche decorated with floral scrolls, the section titles illuminated in cartouches decorated with scrolls. A second section of four folios of a manuscript with 25 lines per page, then another section of Shahnameh with 25 lines of text in four columns, the section titles illuminated in cartouches decorated with floral scrolls. Hardback cover devoid of inscriptions and decoration. No illustrations or colophon. 32.5 x 21 cm Particularly heavy spotting on frontispiece, foxing, wetness, a few marginal notes, minor restorations, binding missing, illustrations missing, colophon also missing, cover torn and detached from folios.