ISLAMIC, INDIAN ART & JEWELS
Lot 35:
Description
This finely preserved 19th-century Kashmiri manuscript of Dalā’il al-Khayrāt is richly illuminated and beautifully illustrated, exemplifying the region’s renowned manuscript tradition. The volume opens with striking architectural and symbolic imagery painted in vibrant pigments, including stylized depictions of sacred sites framed by decorative borders of floral and geometric motifs. Several folios feature lavish gold and polychrome illumination, with intricate patterns characteristic of Kashmiri artistry.
The text is written in clear naskh script, with occasional words highlighted in red, enclosed within double-ruled borders. Throughout the manuscript, detailed marginal decoration enhances the page without overwhelming the calligraphy. The original lacquered binding remains intact, adorned with an exquisite floral bouquet in vivid reds, golds, and blues, though showing expected wear commensurate with age.
A remarkable example of devotional craftsmanship, this manuscript reflects both artistic and spiritual significance, making it a valuable addition for collectors of Islamic manuscripts, South Asian art, and historical devotional texts.
16 x 10cm
Share this lot:
