Divan, in shekasteh script with fine contemporary binding.

A very attractive early Qajar example of the 'Divan' of Hafez Shirazi, a pillarstone of Persian literature, with wonderful tazhib decorations to the opening two leaves of text. This manuscript is notable for featuring fine shekasteh calligraphy and for the contemporary finely painted lacquer boards with unusually feature an image of a mother holding a child. There is a possibility that this volume might have been commissioned or gifted for a Qajar Princess or high-ranking Lady of nobility in the Qajar Courts, as the portrait-like representation of the female on a volume of poetry is otherwise unusual. Single volume, illuminated manuscript on paper, in Farsi, complete, 213 leaves, 155 x 100mm; double column, 14 lines elegant scribal shekasteh script in black, catch-words throughout, leaves ruled in gold, opening two leaves with elaborately painted polychrome borders featuring an opening unwan, all heightened in gilt, early auction description loosely inserted, some light finger-soiling else excellent internal condition; contemporary painted lacquer binding with central cartouche featuring the portrait of a mother holding a child (on both boards), rebacked preserving contemporary goatskin spine, a few small areas of damage to lower board and a small area of rubbing to upper board, overall very good condition. Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Akbar (Alexander) Lari (d. 2025, part of the The Claremont Group NY LLC collection of fine Middle Eastern books); Persian export stamps in the manuscript dated 1341 AS (1962 AD).…