Important Collection of 16th-Century Persian Manuscripts to be Offered at New Orleans Auction Galleries
NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 27, 2013)—On Saturday, March 15, New Orleans Auction Galleries will offer an important collection of 16th century Persian manuscripts and volumes of verse from the Divan of Hafiz (lots 65-70) in its extensive two-day estates auction.
The collection includes five volumes and a group of four framed documents by Sufi poet and mystic, Hafiz (1320-1390). The books contain miniature paintings, as well as verse. Four have leather bindings, while the fifth boasts an impressive polychrome lacquer cover adorned with a spray of flowers.
A New Orleans collector began acquiring these works during his travels across Iran over the course of 35 years. The volumes and pages offered at New Orleans Auction date to the Safavid Dynasty (1501-1722) and were assembled in Shiraz, Hafiz’s hometown, located in Southwestern Iran.
Hafiz established a body of work that is still central to Iran’s cultural life today. He wrote primarily on the subjects of love and faith and is widely considered one of Iran’s greatest writers. He is perhaps best remembered for his tremendous influence on the ghazal, a poetic form consisting of between five and fifteen lines, each comprised of two couplets.
New Orleans Auction Galleries will host a short talk and reading from the Divan of Hafiz, with refreshments, on Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will provide a unique opportunity to see the rare manuscripts in person and learn more about Hafiz’s life and work.
New Orleans Auction’s March 15-16 Estates Auction includes an extensive selection of antique to contemporary fine art, furniture, Asian arts, silver, lighting, clocks, estate jewelry and more. The gallery, located at 510 Julia St. in New Orleans, is open for exhibition from March 5 to March 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. In addition, there will be an evening preview reception on Thursday, March 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. The auction begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16. Bidding is available in person, by absentee, via phone or online. To sign up to bid or view the full catalogue, visit NewOrleansAuction.com.
About New Orleans Auction Galleries
New Orleans Auction Galleries is situated in a former 19th century cotton exchange building in the heart of the city’s historic Arts District. With over twenty years of experience, it is one of the premier auction houses in the world and has continually set record prices for items offered at their sales. With its well-respected, professional and knowledgeable specialists, New Orleans Auction Galleries places a strong emphasis on integrity and customer service. Offering more than six fully catalogued auctions a year, each sale features items from fine estates, private collections, and institutions.
