Bidspirit auction | ABU AL-MUZAFFAR MUHI AL-DIN MUHAMMAD

ABU AL-MUZAFFAR MUHI AL-DIN MUHAMMAD AURANGZEB ALAMGIR (MUGHAL EMPEROR, 1618-1707), 'AN ILLUMINATED SHAMSA FOLIO' (INSCRIBED). - This illuminated Indo-Persian manuscript folio on paper features a large, complex shamsa or sunburst medallion, executed in gold, lapis blue, and polychrome pigments. The central composition is arranged in concentric circular bands containing Arabic calligraphic verses, including the Ayat al-Kursi (Throne Verse) in the outermost ring, set against a ground of intricate floral and geometric illumination. The surrounding paper margins are decorated with delicate black-ink floral sprays and several official inscriptions and seals. A line of text at the bottom centre reads kutebeh: Abu al-Muzaffar Muhi al-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir Badshah Ghazi, identifying the work with the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (r. 1658–1707). An inscription in the lower-left corner identifies the Shahi Kutub Khana (Royal Library) and the name Muhammad Salih, likely a librarian or court official. A prominent circular imperial seal is visible in the lower-left field, with a square seal positioned at the bottom centre. The verso of the folio has a large paper label pasted to the upper right containing extensive Persian script in nasta'liq, multiple ink seals including a distinctive teardrop-shaped seal, and a date appearing to be 1123 AH (c. 1711–1712 AD). The style and composition of the shamsa are closely related to folios from the imperial Shah Jahan Album. The medium consists of ink, opaque pigments, and gold on paper. Approximately 67 x 52.5cm