Bizhan slays Nastihan and stems the Turanian night raid, illustrated folio (f.328r.) from the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp, attributed to Bashdan Qara, Persia, Tabriz, Royal Atelier, circa 1525-35

A monumental Qur'an leaf in Kufic script, Near East or North Africa, circa 850-950AD, Surah 18 (al-kahf/the Cave), vv.79-105

A partial line from the 'Baysunghur Qur'an', attributed to 'Umar al-Aqta, Herat or Samarqand, circa 1400 AD

An important gilt-mounted sword with ruby eyes and matching scabbard from Tipu Sultan's armoury, India, Seringapatam, circa 1782-99

'The Army's Conquest', a personal sword of Emperor Aurangzeb (r.1658-1707), India, the blade second half 17th century, the hilt 18th century