1 vol + 4 pieces.
Manuscript in Farsi. India, 2nd half of 19th century. Relating to the Taj Mahal. 8vo, 19th-century morocco & bds; rubbed & worn, spine detached. Approx 80 leaves, incl 7 pen & ink, pencil & watercolor architectural drawings. WIth presentation inscr, "This work was in the possession … of the Right Hon. [Syed] Ameer Ali," by his son. * 4 oval miniatures on ivory of the Taj Mahal & other views, approx 60 x 78mm, presumed late 19th-century.
The Right Hon. Syed Ameer Ali, 1849-1928, Indian Muslim Jurist, scholar, member of British Judicial Committee of the Primary Council, Vice President of the Royal Asian Society.

This manuscript, of which only a handful are known, was part of a group produced in the early-19th century for the British Raj who wanted to learn more about India's monuments. They were typically illustrated with "Company" drawings or paintings done by Indian artists for Europeans. The architectural views combine European perspective with Indian sensitivity and affinity for detail. The accompanying ivory paintings were favorite souvenirs during the same time period--the view of Anguri Bagh in the Agra Fort being particularly rare. (Ebba Koch, Univ. Prof. Dr. of Asian Art, Institute of Art History, University of Vienna.)