The Houghton Shahnameh – Monumental 2-Volume Facsimile Limited Edition of 750 Sets – Personally Signed by Stuart Cary Welch – Harvard University Press, 1981 - ISBN: 978-0674408548 An extraordinary and monumental two-volume elephant-folio facsimile edition of The Houghton Shahnameh, one of the most ambitious and luxurious scholarly publications ever devoted to the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp. Published for the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, by Harvard University Press in 1981, this magnificent edition was strictly limited to only 750 sets, of which just 600 were made available to the public. Exceptionally Rare Signed Copy What makes this particular set especially desirable is that it has been personally hand-signed by Stuart Cary Welch, co-author of this monumental study and one of the most distinguished scholars of Islamic and Indian art of the 20th century. Welch served for decades at Harvard's Fogg Art Museum and was also associated with the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While copies of The Houghton Shahnameh occasionally appear on the international market, a copy personally signed by Stuart Cary Welch is something altogether more special, giving this set a direct association with the scholar who devoted years of study to this legendary manuscript. The production quality is exceptional. The magnificent color plates were printed in eight-color collotype with genuine burnished gold, beautifully recreating the extraordinary richness of the original manuscript paintings. The remaining illustrations include an extensive sequence of finely produced sepia collotype plates. The two massive volumes are bound in their original blue buckram, with elaborate gilt lettering and ornamentation to the upper covers and spines, complemented by all edges gilt. The sheer scale and quality of production give the books an imposing presence befitting one of the greatest masterpieces of the book arts. Volume I: 312 pages Volume II: 560 pages Size of each volume: 46 × 31 cm Combined weight: an astonishing over 10.6 kg The original Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp ranks among the supreme achievements of 16th-century manuscript painting. Created by some of the finest artists of the Safavid court, its celebrated miniatures represent a pinnacle of the art of the illustrated Book of Kings. This Harvard facsimile was conceived to document and reproduce that masterpiece on an appropriately magnificent scale. Condition: Very good overall. The interiors remain beautifully preserved; the blue covers show some scratches and signs of handling consistent with the enormous size and weight of the volumes. Please examine the photographs carefully. With its monumental 46 × 31 cm elephant-folio format, genuine gold printing, extremely limited production of 750 sets, enormous 10.6+ kg physical presence, and—most importantly—the personal signature of Stuart Cary Welch, this is an exceptional example of an already prestigious edition. A museum-quality reference work, magnificent display piece, and serious collector's acquisition for lovers of the Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, Farsi miniature painting, Islamic art, fine printing, and the history of the illustrated book. .پوزش می‌خواهیم. به دلیل محدودیت‌های سیستم، امکان نوشتن نام سرزمین پرافتخارِ فردوسی در این مزایده وجود ندارد ------------------------------------ Shipping Notice: Shipping is available to European countries (except Switzerland, Ukraine, and Belarus). We also ship to the U.S., Canada, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and GCC countries. Unfortunately, we are unable to ship to destinations not listed above. Important for Buyers Outside Europe: All orders destined for countries outside Europe must be shipped exclusively via FedEx or DHL, which may result in higher shipping costs. Our shipping charges are not limited to postage alone. We invest considerable time, care, and high-quality packaging materials to ensure that every item is securely packed and arrives safely and promptly. For this reason, our shipping fee includes a modest handling charge. All costs are clearly stated upfront—there are no hidden fees or unexpected charges. Shipping costs include full insurance. As insurance premiums are based on the declared value of the item, shipping rates may be higher for more valuable objects to ensure comprehensive coverage during transit. By placing a bid on this lot, you acknowledge and accept these shipping terms.