Persian Manuscript Illustrations

Vibrant depictions from classic Persian literature, showcasing royal figures, hunts, and dramatic scenes in rich colors and intricate details.

The story of Barsisâ, who sells his soul to the Devil. Here Barsisâ, shown as an old man, makes love to a young woman, f. 296v. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

"Bahram Gur and Princess of Fifth Region on Wednesday", Folio from a Haft Paikar (The Seven Portraits) late 17th century. "Bahram Gur and Princess of Fifth Region on Wednesday", Folio from a Haft Paikar (The Seven Portraits) 451467

Bahram Gur Hunting Onagers with Fitna, Page from the Haft paykar (Seven Portraits), from a manuscript of the Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami (d. 1209) Nizami. Bahram Gur Hunting Onagers with Fitna, Page from the Haft paykar (Seven Portraits), from a manuscript of the Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami (d. 1209), 1495. Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper, 4 x 4 1/16 in. (10.2 x 10.3 cm). Arts of the Islamic World 1495

"Kai Khusrau Slays Afrasiyab", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) ca. 1330-40 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi The long wars between Iran and Turan end with the defeat and capture of the Turanian king, Afrasiyab, and his execution by Kai Khusrau, the Iranian shah, who thus avenged the murder of his father, Siyavush. The unusual and rather awkward position of the prisoner is echoed in an illustration of the same scene in an album in Berlin confirming the existence of an active workshop in Isfahan that developed its distinctive style.. "Kai Khusrau Slays Afrasiyab", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 452646

Majnun at the Kaaba, Page from a Manuscript of the Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami. Iran, Shiraz, 1517/924 A.H.. Manuscripts; folios. Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

The Wedding of Zal and Rudaba, Page from a Manuscript of the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdawsi. Iran, Shiraz, 1425-1450. Manuscripts; folios. Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Couple on roll cushions in a palace with two servants behind them. On the lower half of the leaf, the representation of a pair can be seen in a palace, above two vertical columns with text in blocks and also text in two columns, which go through on the back. Two columns text on front and back in former persian script; Recto at the top of a kind of hopscotch form with wide webs and two blocks side by side whose cubes in the middle part are described opposite each other, the blocks also return halfway through the back; a piece of leaves around the framework lines and then weather lines; Leaf angles and side torn and irregular.

The story of Barsisâ, who sells his soul to the Devil. Here Barsisâ, shown as an old man, makes love to a young woman, f. 296v. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

"Mihran Sitad Chooses a Daughter of the Khaqan of Chin", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi ca. 1330-40 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi The miniature shows the Iranian envoy (at left) escorted into the women's quarters by the Queen of Chin (China) to choose a wife for king Nushirvan from among the daughters of the Khaqan (khan). Centrally placed and slightly isolated from the others is the only daughter who had royal blood on both sides, purposely made to look plain by her mother, in the hope that another will be chosen. The wily Iranian envoy, however, perceived her superior qualities and choose the royal princess.. "Mihran Sitad Chooses a Daughter of the Khaqan of Chin", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi 452663

"Iskandar in the Presence of the Brahmins", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi ca. 1330-40 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iskandar (Alexander the Great) traveled to the land of the Brahmins to learn their philosophy. He found them content in their quest for wisdom and knowledge, which are more enduring goals than crown, conquest, and treasure. Here, the Brahmins are shown in the simplest of robes and with the curving-leaf headgear traditionally depicted in miniatures on such otherworldly beings as nymphs, fairies, and angels.. "Iskandar in the Presence of the Brahmins", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi 452657

An Episode from the Story of the Sasanian King Khusrau and His Beloved Shirin, from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami (1141-1209) (verso); Persian verses from a Haft Awrang (Seven Thrones) of Jami (d. 1492) (recto), 1540-70. Iran, probably Shiraz, Safavid period (1501-1722). Opaque watercolor, gold, silver, and ink on paper; double-sided; sheet: 29.6 x 16.2 cm (11 5/8 x 6 3/8 in.); image: 21 x 13 cm (8 1/4 x 5 1/8 in.). The Khamsa is a collection of five narrative poems, one of which is dedicated to the romance of Khusrau Parviz (590-628), a Sasanian king of Iran, and Shirin, his beloved Armenian princess. The lovers are seated in a nocturnal landscape, indicated by the dark blue sky dotted with stars, painted with now tarnished silver. Shirin serves figs and pomegranates, symbolic of fertility, to Khusrau as attendants bring more figs and wine. Next to Shirins black horse, the musician at bottom right plays a tanbur, a long-necked, fretted lute.

"Iskandar in the Presence of the Brahmins", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi. Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020). Dimensions: Page: 8 1/16 x 4 7/8 in. (20.5 x 12.4 cm)Painting: 1 7/8 x 4 5/16 in. (4.8 x 11 cm). Date: ca. 1330-40.Iskandar (Alexander the Great) traveled to the land of the Brahmins to learn their philosophy. He found them content in their quest for wisdom and knowledge, which are more enduring goals than crown, conquest, and treasure. Here, the Brahims are shown in the simplest of robes and with the curving-leaf headgear traditionally depicted in miniatures on such otherworldly beings as nymphs, fairies, and angels. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

"A Lover Falls Before the Feet of his Beloved", Folio from a Kulliyat (Complete Works) of Sa'di 19th century. "A Lover Falls Before the Feet of his Beloved", Folio from a Kulliyat (Complete Works) of Sa'di 455031

The Story of the Ghurid King and the Peasant, Page from an illustrated manuscript of the Bustan (Orchard) of Sa'di The Story of the Ghurid King and the Peasant, Page from an illustrated manuscript of the Bustan (Orchard) of Sa'di, early 16th century. Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper, Whole page: 26.5 x 16 cm. Arts of the Islamic World early 16th century

Bîzhan, accompanied by his companion Gurgîn, converses with Manîzha's nurse., 1616 - 1620 (Inferred)., Istanbul. Manuscripts, Turkish., 22 x 18.3 cm

Ladhdhat al-nisí (The Enjoyment of Women) translated and illustrated by Ziyí [al-Dn Nakhshab 18th century)illustrated Persian treatise on sexual hygiene appears to be a translation from an Indian treatise. An illustration of the diagnosis of lovesickness by feeling the pulse.

"The Fire Ordeal of Siyavush", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi dated A.H. 887/A.D. 1482 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi After Prince Siyavush rejected the amorous advances of his stepmother Sudaba, she falsely accused him of being the aggressor in the affair. To prove his innocence, the young prince insisted upon undergoing ordeal by fire. This illustration follows the story closely, as it depicts him dressed all in white on a black charger. Coming through the flames unscathed, Siyavush is a symbol of purity and innocence. He is later murdered by traitors, a crime that leads to the long series of wars between Iran and Turan that are recounted at length in the Shahnama.. "The Fire Ordeal of Siyavush", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi 450576

"Yusuf is Purchased by Zulaykha", Folio from a Yusuf and Zulaykha 16th century. "Yusuf is Purchased by Zulaykha", Folio from a Yusuf and Zulaykha 446597

"Laila Visiting Majnun in the Desert", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi. Author: Amir Khusrau Dihlavi (1253-1325). Calligrapher: Ala al-Din Muhammad. Dimensions: 8 1/2 x 5 1/4in. (21.6 x 13.3cm). Date: 1520-25. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

"The Falcon Plucks out the Eyes of the Falconer for Bearing False Witness Against the Nobleman's Wife", Folio from a Kalila wa Dimna second quarter 16th century This manuscript contains seventy-eight paintings and many text folios telling the famous tales of the jackals Kalila and Dimna. Based on the book of ancient Indian animal fables, the Panchatantra written by Vidyapati (Bidpai), the stories spread all over the Middle East where they became wildly popular. This manuscript has a strong flavor of Mamluk Egypt in the figure styles and bold drawings, with hints of Ottoman tulips and Safavid turbans. However, the burnt orange palette and darkly-inked lines have led to an attribution to Sultanate Gujarat where it is suggested this manuscript was copied from an Egyptian original. Its life in India is also attested by a Devanagari inscription at the end, although the rest of the Arabic text is written in a strong, left-leaning naskh-like script.. "The Falcon Plucks out the Eyes of the Fal

Rebuke, Basawan, 1595

Mount Bîsitûn, near Kirmânshâh. Farhâd, with pick in hand, stands beneath his relief sculpture of a warrior on horseback and converses with Shîrîn, who sits on a takht, attended by four ladies, f. 109. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

"Shaikh San'an and the Christian Maiden", Folio 22v from a Mantiq al-Tair (Language of the Birds). Author: Farid al-Din `Attar (ca. 1142-1220). Dimensions: Painting: H. 7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm) W. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm)Page: H. 12 7/8 in. (32.7 cm) W. 8 5/16 in. (21.1 cm)Mat: H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm) W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm). Date: ca. 1600.In another tale from the Mantiq al-tair, a sufi shaikh falls in love with a Christian maiden, who subjects him to many demeaning tasks to test his affections. When his followers finally convince the shaikh to leave, the maiden--realizing the error of her ways--sets off on the arduous path after him. This painting depicts the moment in the story where the shaikh, deciding to return to her, instead discovers her collapsed along the road. With her dying breath she apologizes, converts to Islam, and bids him farewell, while his astonished disciples look on. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Folio from a Kalila wa Dimna second quarter 16th century This manuscript contains seventy-eight paintings and many text folios telling the famous tales of the jackals Kalila and Dimna. Based on the book of ancient Indian animal fables, the Panchatantra written by Vidyapati (Bidpai), the stories spread all over the Middle East where they became wildly popular. This manuscript has a strong flavor of Mamluk Egypt in the figure styles and bold drawings, with hints of Ottoman tulips and Safavid turbans. However, the burnt orange palette and darkly-inked lines have led to an attribution to Sultanate Gujarat where it is suggested this manuscript was copied from an Egyptian original. Its life in India is also attested by a Devanagari inscription at the end, although the rest of the Arabic text is written in a strong, left-leaning naskh-like script.. Folio from a Kalila wa Dimna 453077

"Ilar (or Irakht) About to Throw the Bowl of Rice at the King", Folio from a Kalila wa Dimna second quarter 16th century This manuscript contains seventy-eight paintings and many text folios telling the famous tales of the jackals Kalila and Dimna. Based on the book of ancient Indian animal fables, the Panchatantra written by Vidyapati (Bidpai), the stories spread all over the Middle East where they became wildly popular. This manuscript has a strong flavor of Mamluk Egypt in the figure styles and bold drawings, with hints of Ottoman tulips and Safavid turbans. However, the burnt orange palette and darkly-inked lines have led to an attribution to Sultanate Gujarat where it is suggested this manuscript was copied from an Egyptian original. Its life in India is also attested by a Devanagari inscription at the end, although the rest of the Arabic text is written in a strong, left-leaning naskh-like script.. "Ilar (or Irakht) About to Throw the Bowl of Rice at the King", Folio from a Kalil

The parrot speaks to Khujasta at the beginning of the eleventh night, from a Tuti-nama, Tales of a Parrot. Tutinama, Tales of a Parrot, is a series of 52 stories in Persian from the 14th century, in the 16th century Mughal Emperor Agbar commissioned an illustrated version, c. 1560. Banavari 2 (Indian) (active in the 1550s-1590s) ., Historical, digitally restored reproduction from an original of the period

Prisoners receiving food. Gouache painting.

Two naked inhabitants of the island of Bunân (Jazîrat Bunân), seated in a tree top; A black monster eating a human on the island of Atvâr (Atvarân), Jazîrat Atvâr bottom, f. 76v. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

The vizier's son receives the magical wooden parrot from the merchant's wife, who is drunk, and has a carpenter give him a replica of a Tuti-nama, Tales of a Parrot. Tutinama, Tales of a Parrot, is a series of 52 stories in Persian from the 14th century, in the 16th century Mughal Emperor Agbar commissioned an illustrated version, Tenth Night, around 1560., Historical, digitally restored reproduction from an original from that time.

The Well of Khandaq, close to Marâgha is usually surrounded by many pigeons, f. 130v. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

The Imprisoned Wife, Folio from a Manuscript of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi's Khamsa. Northern India, circa 1400-1450. Drawings; watercolors. Ink and opaque watercolor on paper

Bāburnāma (Chagatai/Persian: بابر نامہ;´, literally: 'Book of Babur' or 'Letters of Babur'; alternatively known as Tuzk-e Babri) is the name given to the memoirs of ahīr ud-Dīn Muḥammad Bābur (1483-1530), founder of the Mughal Empire and a great-great-great-grandson of Timur. It is an autobiographical work, originally written in the Chagatai language, known to Babur as 'Turki' (meaning Turkic), the spoken language of the Andijan-Timurids. Because of Babur's cultural origin, his prose is highly Persianized in its sentence structure, morphology, and vocabulary, and also contains many phrases and smaller poems in Persian. During Emperor Akbar's reign, the work was completely translated to Persian by a Mughal courtier, Abdul Rahīm, in AH 998 (1589-90 CE).

Bāburnāma (Chagatai/Persian: بابر نامہ;´, literally: 'Book of Babur' or 'Letters of Babur'; alternatively known as Tuzk-e Babri) is the name given to the memoirs of ahīr ud-Dīn Muḥammad Bābur (1483-1530), founder of the Mughal Empire and a great-great-great-grandson of Timur. It is an autobiographical work, originally written in the Chagatai language, known to Babur as 'Turki' (meaning Turkic), the spoken language of the Andijan-Timurids. Because of Babur's cultural origin, his prose is highly Persianized in its sentence structure, morphology, and vocabulary, and also contains many phrases and smaller poems in Persian. During Emperor Akbar's reign, the work was completely translated to Persian by a Mughal courtier, Abdul Rahīm, in AH 998 (1589-90 CE).

"Burzuyeh is Summoned by Nushirvan on his Return from India", Folio from a Kalila wa Dimna second quarter 16th century This manuscript contains seventy-eight paintings and many text folios telling the famous tales of the jackals Kalila and Dimna. Based on the book of ancient Indian animal fables, the Panchatantra written by Vidyapati (Bidpai), the stories spread all over the Middle East where they became wildly popular. This manuscript has a strong flavor of Mamluk Egypt in the figure styles and bold drawings, with hints of Ottoman tulips and Safavid turbans. However, the burnt orange palette and darkly-inked lines have led to an attribution to Sultanate Gujarat where it is suggested this manuscript was copied from an Egyptian original. Its life in India is also attested by a Devanagari inscription at the end, although the rest of the Arabic text is written in a strong, left-leaning naskh-like script.. "Burzuyeh is Summoned by Nushirvan on his Return from India", Folio from a Kalila wa

The young prince recounts his experiences to his father, the king, from a Tuti-nama, Tales of a Parrot. Tutinama, Tales of a Parrot, is a series of 52 stories in Persian from the 14th century, in the 16th century Mughal Emperor Agbar commissioned an illustrated version, Eighth Night, c. 1560. Suraju (Indian) ., Historical, digitally restored reproduction from an original of the period

Two courses with a couple on the upper job and four musicians on the lower. The leaf is divided into two courses with a couple and musicians above and below and two single-line columns of text above and below the show in former Persian Scriptures; On verso a text in diamond forms.

"Laila and Majnun at School", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami A.H. 835/ A.D. 1431-32 Ja'far Baisunghuri This splendid painting is from a manuscript of the frequently illustrated story of Laila and Majnun by the twelfth-century Persian poet Nizami. It was commissioned by the Timurid prince Baisunghur of Herat, one of the greatest bibliophiles in all Islamic history, who gathered at his court the very best painters from Baghdad, Tabriz, Shiraz, and Samarkand to illustrate his matchless collection of books. This illustration depicts Qais, the future "mad one" (Majnun) for love, and Laila, his beloved, who meet for the first time as children at a mosque school. The painting underscores the closely related aesthetics of figural painting and abstract calligraphy, architectural tiling and royal carpet weaving in traditional Islamic civilization, united here in a visual symphony of flat but dramatically colored patterns. The scene depicts the child lovers framed in the mosque's prayer

Youth Prostrating Himself Before a Ruler. Turkey, circa 1500-1525. Manuscripts; folios. Opaque watercolor on paper

A foreigner, who claimed to be a convert to Islam at the hands of Walîd ibn 'Abd al-Malik, stands on the lighthouse of Alexandria and chips away at the masonry with a pick because he believes that the wealth of Alexander is to be found beneath it, f. 258v. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Shâhnâmah = The Book of Kings.. 1616. Firdawsî. text. illuminated manuscripts, Illuminations, Manuscripts. Spencer Collection. Manuscripts, Persian

The Prophet Muhammad Ascends to theHeavens

Rustam Approaching the Tents of King Kubad, Page from a Manuscript of the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdawsi. Iran, Shiraz, 1550-1575. Manuscripts; folios. Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Krishna and De Herdinnen, between text in Nastaliq writing, Anonymous, 1700 - 1799 On an elongated sheet there are images of Krishna with shepherds in Nastaliq writing: sitting at the top for a cave with two men with long blue main veils, sitting on a rock at the bottom. The leaf has a piping in light green with black framework lines, the left edge shows traces of being torn out of somewhere. India paper brush On an elongated sheet there are images of Krishna with shepherds in Nastaliq writing: sitting at the top for a cave with two men with long blue main veils, sitting on a rock at the bottom. The leaf has a piping in light green with black framework lines, the left edge shows traces of being torn out of somewhere. India paper brush

Ragamala Paintings are a series of illustrative paintings from medieval India based on Ragamala or the 'Garland of Ragas', depicting various Indian musical nodes, Ragas. They stand as a classical example of the amalgamation of art, poetry and classical music in medieval India. Ragamala paintings were created in most schools of Indian painting, starting in the 16th and 17th centuries and are today named accordingly, as Pahari Ragamala, Rajasthan or Rajput Ragamala, Deccan Ragamala, and Mughal Ragamala.

Pilgrimage to Mecca. 1566 Persian mannuscript. London, British museum. Location: BRITISH MUSEUM. LONDON. ENGLAND.

Bāburnāma (Chagatai/Persian: بابر نامہ;´, literally: 'Book of Babur' or 'Letters of Babur'; alternatively known as Tuzk-e Babri) is the name given to the memoirs of ahīr ud-Dīn Muḥammad Bābur (1483-1530), founder of the Mughal Empire and a great-great-great-grandson of Timur. It is an autobiographical work, originally written in the Chagatai language, known to Babur as 'Turki' (meaning Turkic), the spoken language of the Andijan-Timurids. Because of Babur's cultural origin, his prose is highly Persianized in its sentence structure, morphology, and vocabulary, and also contains many phrases and smaller poems in Persian. During Emperor Akbar's reign, the work was completely translated to Persian by a Mughal courtier, Abdul Rahīm, in AH 998 (1589-90 CE).

Abu Yahya Zakariya' ibn Muhammad al-Qazwini ( ) (born 1203 - died 1283), was a Persian physician, astronomer, geographer and proto-science fiction writer. Born in the Persian town of Qazvin, he was descended from Anas ibn Malik, Zakariya' ibn Muhammad al-Qazwini served as legal expert and judge (qadhi) in several localities in Persia and at Baghdad. He travelled around in Mesopotamia and Syria, and finally entered the circle patronized by the governor of Baghdad, ‘Ata-Malik Juwayni (d. 1283 CE). It was to the latter that al-Qazwini dedicated his famous Arabic-language cosmography titled 'Aja'ib al-makhluqat wa-ghara'ib al-mawjudat ('Marvels of Creatures and Strange Things Existing'). This treatise, frequently illustrated, was immensely popular and is preserved today in many copies. It was translated into Persian and Turkish. Qazwini was also well-known for his geographical dictionary, Athar al-bilad wa-akhbar al-‘ibad

The parrot speaks to Khujasta at the beginning of the twenty-ninth night, from a Tuti-nama, Tales of a Parrot. Tutinama, Tales of a Parrot, is a series of 52 stories in Persian from the 14th century, in the 16th century Mughal Emperor Agbar commissioned an illustrated version, Mughal India, Court of Akbar (r. 1556-1605), Historical, digitally restored reproduction of a original from that time.

There are men who worship a tree. A mullâ with an axe wants to chop down this tree and encounters a shaykh (who is the devil in disguise) who tries to dissuade him top; The mullâ and the devil who is disguised as a shaykh fight bottom, f. 298. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

The Ascent of Prophet Muhammad into the Heaven by Iranian master / Private Collection/ c. 1580/ Iran/ Watercolour and ink on paper/ The Oriental Arts/ 12,7x 9,5/ Bible,Mythology, Allegory and Literature

"Rudaba Makes a Ladder of Her Tresses", Folio 72v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp ca. 1525 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi One of Rudaba's maids sneaks Zal through the palace to the princess's pavilion. Although Rudaba lowers her tresses for him to scale the wall, Zal tosses up his lasso to catch the crenellation at the roof, then climbs up to meet his beloved.. "Rudaba Makes a Ladder of Her Tresses", Folio 72v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 452116

"Bilal Calling to Prayer While Prophet Muhammad and Ali are Visited by Emissaries," Folio from a Hamla-yi Haidari ca.1820 Muhammad Rafi Khan. "Bilal Calling to Prayer While Prophet Muhammad and Ali are Visited by Emissaries," Folio from a Hamla-yi Haidari. ca.1820. Translucent and opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper. From India, probably Hyderabad. Codices

"The Court of Ravana", Folio from a Ramayana ca. 1605 The page comes from a copy of the Ramayana probably made for the Mughal courtier Bir Singh Deo of Datia. Inspired by fifteenth-century Indian and Persian painting, this folio is unique from the others in this manuscript. The array of demon courtiers attending the ten-headed demon-king Ravana come right out of Safavid paintings of divs, while the ornament of the pavilion resembles the Persian tile decoration found in paintings from Shiraz.. "The Court of Ravana", Folio from a Ramayana 454358

The Last King of the Seljuks, from a Manuscript of Hafiz-i Abrus Majma al-tawarikh

Illustrated Manuscript dated A.H. 815/ A.D. 1412 This unidentified manuscript addresses the beliefs and practices of Islam. The colophon, which begins with a reference to the Quran rather than the more typical mention of God, may have been added after the manuscript was produced, or part may have been replaced when the manuscript underwent repairs. This would explain why there is no information about the scribe or the title of the work, which has sometimes been identified as a translation of a Zoroastrian text. Although it does include a mention of Zoroaster, it also provides religious instruction and guidance to its Muslim audience, addressing topics such as the distinction between the truly pious and those who pursue worldly affairs, the fall of Iblis, and poor behavior among the religious class. The illustrations may date to the mid-fifteenth century, when the Turkmen style was prevalent in Shiraz.. Illustrated Manuscript 453359

"The Prince Having been Proclaimed King is Paraded Through the City on a White Elephant", Folio from a Kalila wa Dimna second quarter 16th century This manuscript contains seventy-eight paintings and many text folios telling the famous tales of the jackals Kalila and Dimna. Based on the book of ancient Indian animal fables, the Panchatantra written by Vidyapati (Bidpai), the stories spread all over the Middle East where they became wildly popular. This manuscript has a strong flavor of Mamluk Egypt in the figure styles and bold drawings, with hints of Ottoman tulips and Safavid turbans. However, the burnt orange palette and darkly-inked lines have led to an attribution to Sultanate Gujarat where it is suggested this manuscript was copied from an Egyptian original. Its life in India is also attested by a Devanagari inscription at the end, although the rest of the Arabic text is written in a strong, left-leaning naskh-like script.. "The Prince Having been Proclaimed King is Paraded Throu

Yûnus (Jonah) disgorged by a giant fish is offered clothing by an angel, fol. 114. 1577. text. Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection

Muhammad ibn Malikshah (r.1105-1118), from a manuscript of Hafiz-i Abrus Majma al-tawarikh

This manuscript was copied for Jarbash al-Silahdar al-Maliki al-Ashrafi, a Mamluk officer in charge of troop training. It includes instruction on military training, firearms, incendiary devices, artillery, signaling and horsemanship. The Mamluks were soldiers of slave origin that existed in the Middle East from the 9th to the 19th century. They were particularly powerful in Egypt and Syria in a period known as the Mamluk Sultanate (1250-1517), which famously beat back the Mongols and fought the Crusaders.

King Enthroned from the Book of Kings, 1341, Ink, colors and gold on paper, Iran, 14th century

The hardest stone, al-sâmûr or al-sâhûr. The prophet Sulaymân tricked an eagle into bringing him this stone, al-sâmûr, from a mountain of the same name in the west. Sulaymân sits on an animal-skin rug, with a dîv and the eagle nearby, f. 140. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

The archangel 'Izrâ'îl (Azrael), the messenger of death, stands raised in surprise when he sees a man at Solomon's court whose soul he had orders to gather in India that day, f. 44v. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Folio with Verses in Nasta'liq Script dated A.H. 1017/ A.D. 1608-9 Mir `Imad al-Hasani The verses on this folio are written in diagonal lines of nastaliq script. Noted for its refined and lyrical quality, nastaliq is ideally suited for love poetry replete with mystical allusions and Sufi metaphors.. Folio with Verses in Nasta'liq Script. dated A.H. 1017/ A.D. 1608-9. Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper. Attributed to Iran. Codices

Colour illustration from 'The illuminated manuscript Khamsa of Nizami' a 12th Century a lavishly illustrated manuscript of the Khamsa or 'five poems' of Nizami Ganjavi (1141-1209) a Persian poet.

Rustam spears Pîlsam and lifts him into the air.. 1616. Firdawsî. text. illuminated manuscripts, Illuminations, Manuscripts. Spencer Collection. Manuscripts, Persian

Bound Manuscript of the Khamsa of Nizami Nizami. Bound Manuscript of the Khamsa of Nizami, late 16th century. Ink, opaque watercolor, pasteboard, leather, gold on paper, 8 1/4 x 13 3/8 in. (21 x 34 cm). Arts of the Islamic World late 16th century

"A Man Complained to Da'ud of a Sufi Mystic Drunk", Folio from a Kulliyat (Complete Works) of Sa'di 19th century. "A Man Complained to Da'ud of a Sufi Mystic Drunk", Folio from a Kulliyat (Complete Works) of Sa'di. 19th century. Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper. Attributed to India. Codices

Zâl (with a black beard) celebrates the birth of a son.. 1616. Firdawsî. text. illuminated manuscripts, Illuminations, Manuscripts. Spencer Collection. Manuscripts, Persian

The Timurid dynasty (Persian: تیموریان‎), self-designated Gurkānī (Persian: گوركانى‎), was a Persianate, Sunni Muslim dynasty of Turco-Mongol lineage which ruled over modern-day Iran, Afghanistan, much of Central Asia, as well as parts of contemporary Pakistan, India, Mesopotamia, Anatolia and the Caucasus. The dynasty was founded by Timur (Tamerlane) in the 14th century. The Timurids lost control of most of Persia to the Safavid dynasty in 1501, but members of the dynasty continued to rule parts of Central Asia and parts of India, sometimes known as the Timurid Emirates. In the 16th century, Babur, a Timurid prince from Ferghana (modern Uzbekistan), invaded Kabulistan (modern Afghanistan) and established a small kingdom there, and from there 20 years later he invaded Hindustan to establish the Mughal Empire.

A small boy with a large camel that he cannot control, f. 235v. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Seal with Quranic phrase, fol. 59r. 1872. text. Illuminations, illuminated manuscripts. Spencer Collection

"Buzurjmihr Explains the Game of Backgammon (Nard) to the Raja of Hind", Folio from the First Small Shahnama (Book of Kings) Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian ca. 1300-30

"Bahman Taking Revenge on the Sistanians" Folio from the Majma' al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Histories) of Hafiz-i Abru ca. 1425 Hafiz-i Abru Written by court historian Hafiz-i Abru and modelled after the Ilkhanid Jami al-Tavarikh, the text of the Majma al-Tavarikh begins at the time of Adam and continues into the rule of Shah Rukh (r. 1405-47). A chapter heading on the reverse of this folio identifies the scene as Bahman taking revenge on the Sistanians. The manuscript, which was originally composed of 407 folios including 150 miniatures, remained intact until at least 1928. It had a leather binding, and its paintings were executed in three different styles. The Metropolitan Museum owns ten folios from the manuscript.. "Bahman Taking Revenge on the Sistanians" Folio from the Majma' al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Histories) of Hafiz-i Abru 451391

After the bag of gold he received for the slave is stolen in a mosque, the young man of Baghdad tears his clothes and is about to throw himself into the Tigris, from a Tuti-nama, Tales of a Parrot . Tutinama, Tales of a Parrot, is a series of 52 stories in Persian from the 14th century, in the 16th century Mughal Emperor Agbar commissioned an illustrated version Mughal India, Court of Akbar (reigned 1556-1605), Historical, digitally restored reproduction of a original from that time.

Bahram Gur with the Persian Princess in the White Pavillion, Page from a Manuscript of the Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami

Siyâvush stands captive before Afrâsiyâb and members of his court.. 1616. Firdawsî. text. illuminated manuscripts, Illuminations, Manuscripts. Spencer Collection. Manuscripts, Persian

Bāburnāma (Chagatai/Persian: بابر نامہ;´, literally: 'Book of Babur' or 'Letters of Babur'; alternatively known as Tuzk-e Babri) is the name given to the memoirs of ahīr ud-Dīn Muḥammad Bābur (1483-1530), founder of the Mughal Empire and a great-great-great-grandson of Timur. It is an autobiographical work, originally written in the Chagatai language, known to Babur as 'Turki' (meaning Turkic), the spoken language of the Andijan-Timurids. Because of Babur's cultural origin, his prose is highly Persianized in its sentence structure, morphology, and vocabulary, and also contains many phrases and smaller poems in Persian. During Emperor Akbar's reign, the work was completely translated to Persian by a Mughal courtier, Abdul Rahīm, in AH 998 (1589-90 CE).

The baby Rustam in swaddling clothes is suckled by one of his ten wet nurses.. 1616. Firdawsî. text. illuminated manuscripts, Illuminations, Manuscripts. Spencer Collection. Manuscripts, Persian

"The Feast of Sada", Folio 22v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp ca. 1525 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi In the reign of Hushang, grandson of Gayumars, the world came to understand the usefulness of minerals and the arts of smithery, agriculture, and irrigation. One day, Hushang spied a dragon lurking behind the rocks. He hurled a stone at it, which missed the monster but hit a larger rock, causing sparks to fly. Realizing the significance of this phenomenon, Hushang built a large fire and held a feast to celebrate its discovery. The witty yet benevolent depictions of people and animals characterize the liveliest of Sultan Muhammads creations. Also typical of his style is the oval composition with mountains rising into the margins of the page. Listen to experts illuminate this artwork's story Listen Play or pause #9794. Kids: "The Feast of Sada", Folio from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies We're sorry, the transcript for this aud

"The Fish and the Fisherman", Folio from a Kalila wa Dimna second quarter 16th century This manuscript contains seventy-eight paintings and many text folios telling the famous tales of the jackals Kalila and Dimna. Based on the book of ancient Indian animal fables, the Panchatantra written by Vidyapati (Bidpai), the stories spread all over the Middle East where they became wildly popular. This manuscript has a strong flavor of Mamluk Egypt in the figure styles and bold drawings, with hints of Ottoman tulips and Safavid turbans. However, the burnt orange palette and darkly-inked lines have led to an attribution to Sultanate Gujarat where it is suggested this manuscript was copied from an Egyptian original. Its life in India is also attested by a Devanagari inscription at the end, although the rest of the Arabic text is written in a strong, left-leaning naskh-like script.. "The Fish and the Fisherman", Folio from a Kalila wa Dimna 453089

"Timur before Battle", Folio from a Dispersed Copy of the Zafarnama (Book of Victories) of Sharaf al-din 'Ali Yazdi A.H. 839/A.D. 1436 Sharaf al-din 'Ali Yazdi This folio once illustrated a manuscript of the Zafarnama, a biography of the ruler Timur commissioned by his grandson Ibrahim Sultan (1394-1435). The painting, from a manuscript completed a year after Ibrahim Sultans death, depicts the arrival of the Timurid army before the castle of Gortin in Georgia on Friday, 14th of Muharram, 806 A.H. (August 3, 1403 A.D.). This date, which appears on the other side of the folio, has made it possible for scholars to identify the scene.. "Timur before Battle", Folio from a Dispersed Copy of the Zafarnama (Book of Victories) of Sharaf al-din 'Ali Yazdi 451303

The Execution of Mansur Hallaj, from the Warren Hastings Album Indian. The Execution of Mansur Hallaj, from the Warren Hastings Album, 1600-1605. Opaque watercolor on paper, Sheet: 15 1/4 x 11 3/16 in. (38.7 x 28.4 cm). Asian Art 1600-1605

An unidentified prophet surrounded by members of his entourage, fol. 1v-2. 1580. Manuscripts. Spencer Collection. Manuscripts, Persian

A Persian prince with a young woman

A young monarch seated on a throne surrounded by four guards. When a switch is pulled, the king on his throne disappears into the ground, f. 262. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

"Throne Scene", Folio from a Majma al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Histories) ca. 1425 Hafiz-i Abru. "Throne Scene", Folio from a Majma al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Histories) 451417

MTI1-CANTIGA STA MARIA Nº58-F81V-VIRGEN DISUADE A UNA MONJA DE HUIR CON SU ENAMORADO-S XIII. Author: ALFONSO X EL SABIO (1221-1284). Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

Virgo (al-Sunbulah) top; Libra (al-Mîzân) bottom, f. 30. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Yûsuf, who has become the governor of Egypt, sits on a small stool-throne., 1580, Qazvin, 18.2 x 12.7 cm

Ragamala Paintings are a series of illustrative paintings from medieval India based on Ragamala or the 'Garland of Ragas', depicting various Indian musical nodes, Ragas. They stand as a classical example of the amalgamation of art, poetry and classical music in medieval India. Ragamala paintings were created in most schools of Indian painting, starting in the 16th and 17th centuries and are today named accordingly, as Pahari Ragamala, Rajasthan or Rajput Ragamala, Deccan Ragamala, and Mughal Ragamala.

A vizier persuading a prince to spare the life of a young thief', lacquerware miniature from Sadi's Gulistan painted c. 1610 for the Mughal Emperor Jahangir (r. 1605-1627). Nur-ud-din Salim Jahangir (20 September 1569 - 8 November 1627 was the ruler of the Mughal Empire from 1605 until his death. The name Jahangir is from Persian meaning 'Conqueror of the World'. Nur-ud-din or Nur al-Din is an Arabic name which means; 'Light of the Faith'. Born as Prince Muhammad Salim; he was the third and eldest surviving son of Mogul Emperor Akbar.

Image of the Prophet Mohammed ascending to heaven, 16th century. Artist: Unknown

Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami of Ganja 1509-10 Nizami Manuscripts from the Safavid capital, such as this copy of Nizami's Khamsa, are notable for their high-quality illumination and bindings. Characteristic of Persian doublures of this period is the contrasting colors of this example: the burgundy of the leather, the blue of the center and corner-pieces, and the gold gilding. Venetian Renaissance gilded leather bindings were particularly influenced by Safavid and Ottoman examples.. Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami of Ganja 446543

Manûchihr gives advice to Zâl about his marriage to Rûdâbah.. 1616. Firdawsî. text. illuminated manuscripts, Illuminations, Manuscripts. Spencer Collection. Manuscripts, Persian

Jujube tree ('unnab) top; Aloe tree ('ûd) bottom, f. 168v. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Zahir ud-din Muhammad Babur (1483 1530-1) was a Muslim conqueror from Central Asia who succeeded in laying the basis for the Mughal dynasty of India. He was a direct descendant of Timur (Tamerlane) and of Genghis Khan. Babur identified his lineage as Timurid and Chaghatay-Turkic, while his origin, milieu, training and culture were steeped in Persian culture. He was largely responsible for the expansion of Persian cultural influence in the Indian subcontinent, with brilliant literary, artistic, and historiographical results.

Prophet being carried by the Angel of God, destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem, miniature from The tales of Luqman, Arabic manuscript, 1583.

Abdul-Muttalib as he opens the Kaaba door 16th century Turkish Miniature

Persian couple sharing a drink

"The Funeral of Isfandiyar", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings). Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020). Dimensions: Page: H. 22 13/16 in. (58 cm)W. 15 3/4 in. (40 cm)Mat: H. 24 in. (61 cm) W. 19 1/2 in. (49.5 cm). Date: 1330s.From a dispersed copy of the Ilkhanid manuscript referred to as the Great Mongol Shahnama, this folio depicts the funeral procession of the Persian hero Isfandiyar. The bier is accompanied by a group of mourners, some wailing and pulling at their hair, which is worn loose as a sign of mourning. The painting technique, with its strong linear quality and thin washes of color, recalls contemporary Chinese brush painting. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Visit to a Hermit 17th century. Visit to a Hermit 450604

of 2