Persian Manuscript Illustrations

Miniature folios from historical manuscripts depicting stories of prophets and legends, richly illustrated with vibrant colors and intricate details.

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.

Folio from a Khavarannama (The Book of the East) of ibn Husam al-Din ca. 1476-86 Maulana Muhammad Ibn Husam ad Din The Khavarannama (Book of the East) chronicles the adventures of Ali, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and champion of Shi’i believers. These stories take a legendary rather than strictly historical perspective, and include encounters with demons, dragons, and kings. Produced under the Aq Quyunlu Turkmen, this monumental manuscript originally contained 685 folios. In this scene, a guide leads a prince and his companions to a tent that is guarded by a dragon.. Folio from a Khavarannama (The Book of the East) of ibn Husam al-Din. ca. 1476-86. Opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper. Attributed to Iran, Shiraz. Codices

The Semitic prophet Banâkur and his son converse with an angel in front of the entrance to the Ka'ba, fol. 33v. 1577. text. Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection

"Laila Visiting Majnun in the Desert", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi 1520-25 Ala al-Din Muhammad Although the manuscript was copied at Balkh and completed in 1503 or 1504, the miniature must have been added after the capture of that city by the Safavid, Shah Isma'il in 1510. The tall baton of the cap around which the turban was wound, only appears when the Safavids imposed the Shi'a sect of Islam as the official state religion. The miniature, probably painted in Herat, is still very much in the fifteenth century court style of that city.. "Laila Visiting Majnun in the Desert", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi 446291

"Three Men Before a Castle", Folio from a Khavarannama (The Book of the East) of ibn Husam al-Din ca. 1476-86 Maulana Muhammad Ibn Husam ad Din The fifteenthcentury author Maulana Muhammad ibn Husam alDin, known as Ibn Husam, wrote the Khavarannama in emulation of the great poet Firdausi’s national Persian epic, the Shahnama. Ibn Husam, however, centers his stories on the Shi'i imam 'Ali, son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. This folio depicts an imaginary meeting between the poet Firdausi and the author of the Khavarannama, Ibn Husam. "Three Men Before a Castle", Folio from a Khavarannama (The Book of the East) of ibn Husam al-Din 451327

Adam and Four Prophets 17th century. Adam and Four Prophets 450597

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.

Shirin Begging Forgiveness from Khasraw, 14th century, 10 1/2 x 6 1/4 in. (26.6 x 15.9 cm), Ink, colors and gold on paper, Iran, 14th century

The Angel Gabriel Reveals Sura Annama 55 to the Prophet 19th century This illustrated folio is from a Shi'i epic recounting the life of 'Ali, the Prophet's son-in-law and, according to Shi'is, the legitimate successor to the Prophet. It depicts the Angel Gabriel revealing the Sura 55 (Sura Ma'ida) to the Prophet. The Prophet is depicted with a white face-veil while 'Ali's face is in full view. The style and palette are consistent with paintings of the 1820's and 30's. Shi'i epics were a popular genre in the Qajar period although only a few illustrated manuscripts survive, making this a rare example from the period.. The Angel Gabriel Reveals Sura Annama 55 to the Prophet. 19th century. Opaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper. Made in Iran. Codices

"Yusuf Summoned by Zulaykha to Serve at a Feast", Folio from a Yusuf and Zulaykha 16th century. "Yusuf Summoned by Zulaykha to Serve at a Feast", Folio from a Yusuf and Zulaykha 446613

Prisoners, Anonymous, 1500 - 1600 Persian miniature. drawing Two blindfolded prisoners sit in front of a right and a prince in a palace hall, in front of the door is a guard and in a window at the top of a half figure is visible, in a window opening behind the right two figures are visible, above this window and under the prisoners are visible Two columns with text in Persian handwriting. To the left of the window and around the sultan, pieces of paper have disappeared; The performance is placed in a framework of thin lines and stuck on a leaf together with a second performance. Persia Presentation: Paper brush

Oude wijze man met vier voor hem geknielde bezoekers.On a piece of bare ground in a green field, there is an old man with beard under a tree with a white bark, on the right front of him lying down three men with beards, in the foreground a fourth, younger figure with pointed hat; Two columns text in persian above and below and on the back. The show is in the middle of the leaf and cover the width of two columns text located above and below the show and also on the back of the leaf, almost at the top of the verso is a wide blue job with scripture in white horizontally over The vertical columns applied.

"A Scene of Dancing and Music", Folio from a Kulliyat (Complete Works) of Sa'di 19th century. "A Scene of Dancing and Music", Folio from a Kulliyat (Complete Works) of Sa'di 455032

Iskandar hunting in eastern Turkistân, fol. 282. 1560. Niāmī Ganjavī, 1140 or 41-1202 or 3. Manuscripts. Spencer Collection. Manuscripts, Persian, Hunting

Anushirvan Enthroned, from a Book of Kings (Shahnama)manuscript

Bahram V was the fourteenth Sassanid King of Persia (421-438). Also called Bahram Gur or Bahramgur, he was a son of Yazdegerd I (399-421), after whose sudden death (or assassination) he gained the crown against the opposition of the grandees by the help of Mundhir, the Arab dynast of al-Hirah. Sandalwood is the name of a class of fragrant woods from trees in the genus Santalum. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and unlike many other aromatic woods they retain their fragrance for decades. As well as using the harvested and cut wood in-situ, essential oils are also extracted from the woods for use. Both the wood and the oil produce a distinctive fragrance that has been highly valued for centuries.

As the Devil instructs him to do, Barsisâ, who is a doctor, stabs a female patient who has become his lover top; The relatives of the slain woman come and want revenge. Here Barsisâ is about to be strung up on the gallows bottom, f. 297. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

'Ajâ'ib al-makhlûqât va gharâ'ib al-mawjûdât, f. 292v. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Manuscript of the Hadiqat al-Su`ada (Garden of the Blessed) of Fuzuli Muhammad bin Sulayman, known as Fuzuli (ca. 1483-1556). Manuscript of the Hadiqat al-Su`ada (Garden of the Blessed) of Fuzuli, AH 1011 / 1602-3 C.E. Opaque watercolor, ink and gold on paper; leather binding, 5 1/2 x 9 3/4 in. (14 x 24.8 cm). This manuscript is a copy of the sixteenth-century Hadiqat al-Sucada (Garden of the Blessed), written in Baghdad by the Ottoman mystic Muhammad bin Sulayman, known as Fuzuli (circa 1483-1556). It is a text on the Prophets family and belongs to a group of illustrated devotional manuscripts executed in a provincial style in Baghdad under the patronage of the Ottoman sultan Mehmet III (r. 1595-1603). Here, the Prophet is shown veiled and seated on a pulpit, accompanied by his cousin and son-in-law, cAli, and his grandchildren, Hasan and Husayn, all distinguished by haloes of fire. According to the Ottoman Turkish text, Muhammad is conversing with the angel Gabriel and the Angel of

Rustam visits the chamber of Tahmînah, daughter of the king of Samarkand., 1616 - 1620 (Inferred)., Istanbul. Manuscripts, Turkish. Sleeping., 19.6 x 18.3 cm

Story of Haftvad, c. 1300, 9 5/8 x 7 3/8 in. (24.5 x 18.7 cm), Ink and color on paper, Western Iran or Baghdad, Ilkhanid dynasty (1256-1357), A group of women spin cotton outside the village of Kerman. The setting, with gold sky and fantastical landscape, shows the influence of Chinese painting, brought to Persia with Mongolian rule. This scene, identified in the text at the top of the page, foreshadows the story of Haftvad, a modest man whose daughter, seen at the far right, discovers a worm while biting into an apple. Considering it a lucky charm, she keeps the worm in her spindle case and soon begins spinning miraculous quantities of cotton. Recognizing this good fortune, Haftvad takes the worm and nurtures it until it grows to the size of an elephant. As the worm grows, so does Haftvads wealth and power. Eventually, King Ardeshir grows envious and comes to Kerman, where he defeats Haftvad and kills the worm.

Jewish Captives Making an Appeal to the Prophet 19th century This illustrated folio is from a Shi'i epic recounting the life of 'Ali, the Prophet's son-in-law and, according to Shi'is, the legitimate successor to the Prophet. It depicts the Prophet Muhammad riding a camel accompanied by 'Ali after taking over a fortress inhabited by Jews. While the Prophet spares their lives, he orders them to leave with only a few of their belongings; we see the Jews throwing themselves at the foot of the Prophets camel and beg him to reconsider. As in other folios in the manuscript, the Prophet is depicted with a white face-veil while 'Ali's face is shown in full view. The style and palette of this folio are consistent with Qajar paintings of the 1820s and 30's. Shi'i epics were a popular genre in the Qajar period although only a few illustrated manuscripts survive, making this a rare example.. Jewish Captives Making an Appeal to the Prophet. 19th century. Opaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper.

Woman on a throne, drawing a man, behind him five servants; Five illustrations by Kamsa by Nizami with text. Shapur shows Khusrau's portrait to Shirin // illustration of the Khamsa of Nizami. A prince on a throne. A man holds a large piece of paper for her. (AK Title)

"Zulaikha after her Second Dream of Yusuf", Folio from a Yusuf and Zulaikha of Jami second half 16th century Maulana Nur al-Din `Abd al-Rahman Jami. "Zulaikha after her Second Dream of Yusuf", Folio from a Yusuf and Zulaikha of Jami 451428

A man bays a doll for his son that always lands on its feet when dropped, f. 288. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Prince who receives gifts, anonymous, 1500 - 1600 Persian miniature. drawing In an open field there are a prince and two visitors who offer him gifts; Three half figures behind the hilltops; Above and at the bottom of the show two columns with text in Persian. The show is framed by a few fine framework lines with yellow and is located on the right side of the leaf. Persia Presentation: Paper brush / brush

"Death of Farud", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi ca. 1610 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi The Shahnama is filled with tragic events. On the page illustrated here, the painter has depicted the sad destiny of Farud, the son of Prince Siyavush and Jarira. After witnessing her sons death, Jarira ripped open her belly with a dagger. Then, lying down with her face against Faruds, she let herself die.. "Death of Farud", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi 453267

"Shaikh San'an beneath the Window of the Christian Maiden", Folio18r from a Mantiq al-tair (Language of the Birds). Author: Farid al-Din `Attar (ca. 1142-1220). Calligrapher: Sultan `Ali Mashhadi (ca.1440-1520). Dimensions: Painting: H. 2 7/8 in. (7.4 cm) W. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm)Page: H. 13 in. (33 cm) W. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm)Mat: H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm) W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm). Date: ca. 1600.This Safavid illustration depicts a scene from a famous story of Shaikh San'an that is often illustrated in other manuscripts of the Mantiq al-Tayr. The story is as follows: A celebrated shaikh named San'an went from Ka'ba to Greece and fell in love with a Christian maiden. At her suggestion, he became a Christian and even looked after swine, which are considered unclean in Islam. When his disciples heard about this, they came to Greece and prayed to God that Shaikh San'an would return to the right path. Due to the disciples' prayers, he revived his Muslim faith and returned to his home in the

Firdausî approaches the three poets of Shâh Mahmûd who sit reading, while servants prepare meat on a spit behind them., 1616 - 1620 (Inferred), Istanbul, Manuscripts, Turkish, 22.9 x 18.2 cm

Two mounted warriors attack a citadel inhabited by dog-faced humans (sagsârs) top; On the Jazîrat Jâmi', there is a mountain from which flames shoot at night and smoke is emitted during the day bottom, f. 81v. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Mount Chahand, f. 108v. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

al-Mamun Proposes Marriage, 1431, Baysunghur school, 8 3/4 x 5 3/4 in. (22.23 x 14.61 cm), Ink, colors, and gold on paper, Iran, Timurid dynasty (1370-1506), The poem Chahar Maqaleh, or Four Discourses (c. 1156), falls into the Persian literary genre known as the 'mirror of the princes.' The text provides a series of anecdotes to describe the four advisers every Islamic prince required: a scribe, a poet, an astrologer, and a physician. This scene recounts the story of the Abbasid caliph (Islamic leader) al-Mamun (786-883 CE), depicted here in his resplendent palace as he falls in love with and quickly proposes marriage to his advisers daughter. Quoting the Quran, she demands his patience. Impressed by her firm literary grounding, al-Mamun willingly obliges.

The first extant copies of Firdausis celebrated 11th-century Persian epic, the Book of Kings, were written under the Il-Khanids. This miniature comes from one of the 'small Shah-namas' that are considered by some to be precursors of the periods more mature masterpiece, the 'great Shah-nama'.

"Kai Kavus and Rustam Embrace", Folio 123r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp ca. 1525-30 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Aulad now leads Rustam to the captive Kai Kavus and his contingent, all of whom have been blinded. The shah embraces Rustam, then advises him to find the White Div before he is discovered, to do him in, and to bring his blood to drip into the eyes of the Iranians to restore their sight.. "Kai Kavus and Rustam Embrace", Folio 123r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 452127

"Mihran Sitad Chooses a Daughter of the Khaqan of Chin", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi. Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020). Dimensions: Page: 8 1/16 x 5 1/4 in. (20.5 x 13.3 cm)Painting: 2 3/16 x 4 7/16 in. (5.5 x 11.2 cm). Date: ca. 1330-40.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. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

ABU-L'-ABBAS al SAFFAH (m. al-Anbar,754). Primer califa Abasí (750-754). Descendiente de 'Abbas, tio de Mahoma. Se dio el apodo de al-Saffa ("el Sanguinario"), al dedicar parte de su reinado a exterminar a la familia omeya. Miniatura islámica donde se representa al "PUEBLO JURANDO FIDELIDAD AL PRIMER CALIFA ABBASI AL-SAFFAH, EN LA MEZQUITA DE AL-KUFA". Biblioteca Nacional. París. Francia.

Man and woman on a throne in a garden, for them two musicians and three servants; Five illustrations by Kamsa by Nizami with text. Khusrau and Shirin listen to vocals and music // illustration of the Khamsa of Nizami. Two princes are sitting on a throne. (AK Title)

Sulaymân (Solomon) standing and talking with six jinns and devils, f. 302. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Six Men in the Garden (Recto); Text in Persian (Verso) - card from an unidentified Masnavi (Counterfeit) unknown

Rumi's Father Gives a Sermon in the Qani-i Cemetery of Konya. Date/Period: 1590. Width: 115 mm. Height: 145 mm. Author: UNKNOWN.

The hunter offers the mother parrot to the king of Kamarupa, 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, Fifth Night, c. 1560. Basavana (Indian) (active c. 1560-1600) ., Historical, digitally restored reproduction from an original of the period

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).

"Rustam Comes from Kabul to Pay Homage to Kai Khusrau", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi. Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020). Dimensions: Page: 8 1/16 x 5 1/4 in. (20.5 x 13.3 cm)Painting: 1 15/16 x 4 1/4 in. (4.9 x 10.8 cm). Date: ca. 1330-40.In this miniature the artist has faithfully rendered the scene as described in the poem. When Kai Khusrau mounted the throne of Iran all the lords and princes came to pay homage to him. When the young shah saw the great hero Rustam, who had reared his murdered father Siyavush, he wept and descended from his throne to greet him while Rustam kissed the ground before the shah, as was the custom. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

The false Mansur punished before the judge and expelled from the city, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Seventeenth Night, c. 1560. Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556-1605). Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper; overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); painting only: 11.7 x 10 cm (4 5/8 x 3 15/16 in.). When the true merchant Mansur returns home to find an imposter in his place, he takes him to a judge to settle the matter. After testimony of Mansurs wife, the imposter is revealed. In the image, the real Mansur stands with his wife, addressing the seated judge. Below them, the imposter is led away, turban unraveled, while being beaten with a stick.

Yusuf Sold As a Slave, Page from an Unidentified Manuscript

Love couple on a terrace, Anonymous, 1790 - 1810 Indian miniature. drawing On a terrace in front of a palace there is a love couple on a fur -colored dress, above them a floating head, on the right a servant, in the foreground half a figure of a praying old man; In two columns text in Persian handwriting. The performance is in the middle of the leaf and covers the width of two columns of text that are located above and below the performance and also on the back of the leaf. Cashmir paper brush / brush

"Siyavush and Jarira Wedded", Folio 183v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Abu'l Qasim Firdausi, commissioned by Shah Tahmasp ca. 1525-30 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Claiming that his compatriots had spurned Siyavush, Piran offers him his daughter Jarira in marriage. Elegantly clothed and perfumed, she is presented to the young prince, who weds her happily.. "Siyavush and Jarira Wedded", Folio 183v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Abu'l Qasim Firdausi, commissioned by Shah Tahmasp 452136

"Rustam Discoursing with Isfandiyar", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) dated A.H. 741/A.D. 1341 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi. "Rustam Discoursing with Isfandiyar", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 448279

Krishna en de herderinnen, tussen tekst in Nastaliq-schrift.On an elongated leaf stands between texts in Nastaliq-Scriptures a show of Krishna with shepherdesses for a cave in which a man and a woman with outstretched hand weighing him. The blade is equipped with a piping in light green with black frame lines, the right edge shows traces of being torn off somewhere; BOVN is another inscription on the top edge.

The vizier dissuades the king of Bahilistan from executing the dervish who asks for his daughters hand in marriage, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Seventh Night, c. 1560. Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556-1605). Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper; overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); painting only: 14 x 9.9 cm (5 1/2 x 3 7/8 in.). A poor dervish, wearing a fur cap and short brown lower garment, stands captive before the furious king of Bahilistan. Before he can kill the dervish, a vizier reminds him that it is beneath a king to stain his sword with the blood of a mendicant. The dervish is ordered to prove his worth by offering the kings daughter an elephant laden with gold.

The prince and Nikfal are joined by Khalis and the Mukhlis who are the grateful snake and frog in human form, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighteenth Night, c. 1560. Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556-1605). Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper; overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); painting only: 8.2 x 10 cm (3 1/4 x 3 15/16 in.). The prince, wearing yellow pants, with Nikfal (Good Fortune) by his side, looks back to see two men approaching. They introduce themselves as the cobra, whom the prince fed from his own flesh, and the frog, whose life he saved. They took on human forms and pledged to be his servants until they have returned the favor of his kindness. At the bottom of the page is the edge of a pool painted in silver paint that has tarnished black. Grass and poppies grow on its banks. The otherwise arid landscape has been painted pink with sparse grassy tufts.

King Khusraw Anushirvan Enthroned, Page from a Manuscript of the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdawsi. Iran, Shiraz, 741 A.H. (A.D. 1341). Manuscripts; folios. Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

"Hamza's Heroes Fight in Support of Qasim and Badi'uzzaman", Folio from a Hamzanama (The Adventures of Hamza) ca. 1564-69 Attributed to Shravana The Hamzanama relates the story of Hamza, an uncle of the prophet Mohammad and an ardent defender of Muslim faith. In this folio, two of Hamzas allies, Qazim and Badiʿuzzaman fight under a pavilion. The scene is overrun with chaos as other groupings of rivals join the brawl. The drama-filled story of the Hamzanama was a favorite of the Mughal emperor Akbar, who commissioned this magnificent manuscript in 1562. Composed of 1400 illustrations and bound into several volumes, the work took nearly one hundred artists fifteen years to complete.. "Hamza's Heroes Fight in Support of Qasim and Badi'uzzaman", Folio from a Hamzanama (The Adventures of Hamza) 447051

Khwaja Shamsu d-Din Muhammad Hafez-e Shirazi, known by his pen name Hafez (1325/1326-1389/1390),was a Persian lyric poet. His collected works composed of series of Persian poetry (Divan) are to be found in the homes of most Persian speakers in Iran and Afghanistan, as well as elsewhere in the world, who learn his poems by heart and use them as proverbs and sayings to this day. His life and poems have been the subject of much analysis, commentary and interpretation, influencing post-fourteenth century Persian writing more than any other author. Themes of his ghazals are the beloved, faith, and exposing hypocrisy. His influence in the lives of Iranians can be found in 'Hafez readings', frequent use of his poems in Persian traditional music, visual art and Persian calligraphy. His tomb in Shiraz is visited often. Adaptations, imitations and translations of Hafez' poems exist in all major languages.

Episode from the love history of Laila and Majnun, Majnun in conversation with Laila for a tent, Anonymous, c. 1500 - c. 1700 Majnun visits Laila in her tent. Illustration from the story of Laila and Majnun from the Khamsa of Nizami. Persia paper. deck paint. gouache (paint) brush Majnun visits Laila in her tent. Illustration from the story of Laila and Majnun from the Khamsa of Nizami. Persia paper. deck paint. gouache (paint) brush

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.

Ayyûb (Job), wearing a loincloth, is raised up by the angel Jibrâ'îl (Gabriel). Folio 109., 1580 ., Qazvin, 15.5 x 15 cm

Sa'di's Visit to an Indian Temple, folio from a manuscript of the Bustan by Sa'di Sa'di's Visit to an Indian Temple, folio from a manuscript of the Bustan by Sa'di, late 16th century. Ink, colors, and gold on paper, image: 9 x 5 1/8 in. (22.9 x 13 cm). Arts of the Islamic World late 16th century

A caravan from Syria encounters a witch. When the witch hits the ground with a stick, the camels become frightened and scatter. When she hits the ground a second time, the camels come back. The illustration shows the hag collecting the camels, f. 305. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Hulagu Khan giving a feast and dispensing favor upon the amirs and princes, from a Chingiz-nama (Book of Chingiz Khan) of the Jami al-tavarikh (Compendium of Chronicles), c. 1596-1600. Lal (Indian, active c. 1555-1600), Dharam Das (Indian, active c. 1580-1605), Padarath (Indian, active late 1500s). Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper, text on verso; page: 38.4 x 25.2 cm (15 1/8 x 9 15/16 in.); painting: 33.3 x 21.1 cm (13 1/8 x 8 5/16 in.). The text on this page tells of how the Mongols conquered Syria and defeated the lords of the powerful Ismaili sect of Islam. In red are the names of Hulagu Khan and his brother Mongke Khan, Mongol overlords of the region. Also in red are the words first” through seventh,” after each of which the names of all the previous Ismaili lords until the last are listed. The long title in red begins the topic of the next section, which concerns arrangements for the Mongol invasion of Anatolia in present-day Turkey.

The Shahnameh or Shah-nama (Persian: Šahnameh, 'The Book of Kings') is a long epic poem written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi between c. 977 and 1010 CE and is the national epic of Iran and related Perso-Iranian cultures. Consisting of some 60,000 verses, the Shahnameh tells the mythical and to some extent the historical past of Greater Iran from the creation of the world until the Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century. The work is of central importance in Persian culture, regarded as a literary masterpiece, and definitive of ethno-national cultural identity of Iran. It is also important to the contemporary adherents of Zoroastrianism, in that it traces the historical links between the beginnings of the religion with the death of the last Zoroastrian ruler of Persia during the Muslim conquest.

The Prophet Muhammad Overcomes Rukana ibn Abd Yezid, from a Manuscript of Hafiz-i Abrus Majma al-tawarikh

"The Rogue's Father Emerges from the Tree", 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 Rogue's Father Emerges from the Tree", Folio from a Kalila wa Dimna 453098

Khwaja Shamsu d-Din Muhammad Hafez-e Shirazi, known by his pen name Hafez (1325/1326-1389/1390),was a Persian lyric poet. His collected works composed of series of Persian poetry (Divan) are to be found in the homes of most Persian speakers in Iran and Afghanistan, as well as elsewhere in the world, who learn his poems by heart and use them as proverbs and sayings to this day. His life and poems have been the subject of much analysis, commentary and interpretation, influencing post-fourteenth century Persian writing more than any other author. Themes of his ghazals are the beloved, faith, and exposing hypocrisy. His influence in the lives of Iranians can be found in 'Hafez readings', frequent use of his poems in Persian traditional music, visual art and Persian calligraphy. His tomb in Shiraz is visited often. Adaptations, imitations and translations of Hafez' poems exist in all major languages.

Mount Tûr Hârûn, near Bethlehem. Mûsâ (Moses) took Hârûn (Aaron) there, and the two of them watch two men digging a grave, f. 116v. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Prince Manuhar visited at night by winged genies, miniature from Khamsem (Five Poems) by Khosrow Kihlavi (1253-1325).

Yûsuf, who has become the governor of Egypt, sits on a small stool-throne, fol. 55. 1580. Manuscripts. Spencer Collection. Manuscripts, Persian

The marriage of Ubaid, son of a merchant of Tirmiz, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-second Night, c. 1560. Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556-1605). Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper; overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); painting only: 8.9 x 10.1 cm (3 1/2 x 4 in.). The young Ubaid, wearing green, sits across from his new wife on a blue and gold arabesque carpet. Ubaid is so infatuated with his bride’s beauty that he begins to neglect his regular duties. His worried father consults a talking parrot and myna bird for advice on how to restrain his son’s excessive devotion.

Yahya ibn Mahmod al-Wasiti was a 13th-century Arab Islamic artist. Al-Wasiti was born in Wasit in southern Iraq. He was noted for his illustrations of the Maqam of al-Hariri. Maqama (literally 'assemblies') are an (originally) Arabic literary genre of rhymed prose with intervals of poetry in which rhetorical extravagance is conspicuous. The 10th century author Badi' al-Zaman al-Hamadhani is said to have invented the form, which was extended by al-Hariri of Basra in the next century. Both authors' maqamat center on trickster figures whose wanderings and exploits in speaking to assemblies of the powerful are conveyed by a narrator. Manuscripts of al-Hariri's Maqamat, anecdotes of a roguish wanderer Abu Zayd from Saruj, were frequently illustrated with miniatures.

"Muhammad Revives the Sick Boy", Folio from a Falnama (Book of Omens) of Ja'far al-Sadiq. Dimensions: Painting: H. 23 1/16 in. (58.6 cm) W. 17in. (43.2cm)Mat : H. 28 in. (71.1 cm)W. 22 in. (55.9 cm)Frame: H. 30 1/2 in. (77.5 cm)W. 24 1/2 in. (62.2 cm). Date: 1550s.This illustration belonged to a Falnama, or book of divination, which was used to predict the future and tell fortunes. Once believed to be a depiction of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, the subject matter has now been identified as an event from the life of the Prophet Muhammad, who is shown veiled (a pictorial convention not applied to Jesus in the Islamic tradition). The illustration narrates the story of an old woman named Umm Mabid, shown crouching in the foreground, who begs Muhammad to heal her son. Muhammad is shown veiled and haloed in the center, healing the boy as onlookers watch in awe. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

"The Flight of the Tortoise", 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 Flight of the Tortoise", Folio from a Kalila wa Dimna 453094

An imperial court scene. Gouache painting by an Indian artist, ca. 1800.

The cheating woman throws out the matchmaker after blackening her face, 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. Shravana (Indian) ., Historical, digitally restored reproduction from an original of the period

The Prophet Abraham preparing to sacrifice his son. King Nimrod casting Abraham into the fire, miniature from The tales of Luqman, Arabic manuscript, 1583.

The Prophet Muhammad's family, illustrataion from Biruni's Chronology of Ancient Nations. Arabic manuscript, 15th Century.

"Siyavush Stands Accused by Sudaba before Kai Kavus", Folio 163v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp ca. 1530-35 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Kai Kavus marries a second wife, a Turanian princess, who gives birth to a son, Siyavush. Because the boy has an ill-omened horoscope, Kai Kavus sends him to be reared by Rustam in Zabulistan, but when he comes of age, he returns to his father's court. Soon afterward his mother dies, and Kai Kavus recommends that Siyavush seek solace with his first wife, Sudaba. She falls in love with Siyavush, and when he spurns her advances, she claims that he tried to rape her. Kai Kavus questions his wife and son and determines the innocence of Siyavush, but decides the matter should be kept secret.. "Siyavush Stands Accused by Sudaba before Kai Kavus", Folio 163v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 452132

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).

Selim I being enthroned, 16th century miniature from ms H.1523 p 201A, Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, Turkey

Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami of Ganja A.H. 853/A.D. 1449-50 Nizami. Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami of Ganja 446541

Kay Kâ'ûs receives his grandson Kay Khusrau., 1616 - 1620 (Inferred)., Istanbul. Manuscripts, Turkish., 22.8 x 18.4 cm

Khulasa, a vizier, sees the daughter of Khassa, another vizier, and desires her, 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, Fifty-first Night, c. 1560. Mughal India, Court of Akbar (ruled 1556-1605), Historical, digitally restored reproduction from an original of the period

A talisman connected with the planet Mars, Mirrîkh. A youth in short skirt holds a small woman wearing an orange skirt; he bows forward, f. 289. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Antidote for healing a snake bite for Mithridates VI, King of Pontus's mistress, miniature from the Book of Antidotes by Galen of Pergamo, Arabic manuscript, Iraq 1199.

On Jazîrat Salâmatah, there is a type of fish that can leave the water and climb trees in order to eat the fruit. The illustration shows a man holding one of these fish while two others climb a tree and to more swim in silver - colored water, f. 81. 1540 - 1545. Qazwīnī, Zakarīyā ibn Muammad, approximately 1203-1283. text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection. Mountains, Birds, Animals, Manuscripts, Persian

Majnûn, seated alone in the wilderness, gazes pensively into the heavens, fol. 82. 21. Hātifī, -1520 or 1521. Manuscripts, Miniatures (Illuminations). Spencer Collection

"Sam Comes to Inspect Rustam", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) ca. 1330-40 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Rustam, the future warrior hero of Iran, was such a huge baby that he could only be born by Caesarian section. Here, the noble Sam has come to inspect his grandson, already, though a child, reputed to resemble a lion in courage and daring. Rustam has been seated on an elephant for the occasion, dressed as the warrior he is to become. The artist has mistakenly given him a beard, apparently forgetting his tender age in this scene.. "Sam Comes to Inspect Rustam", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 452629

"Prophet Muhammad Preaching", Folio from a Maqtal-i Al-i Rasul of Lami'i Chelebi late 16th century Lami'i Chelebi The text to which this detached page once belonged, entitled "The Murder of the House of the Prophet", tells the story of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn 'Ali, one of Muhammad's grandsons and 'Ali's son. His assasination at the battle of Karbala, in present-day Iraq, represented a turning point for the Muslim community and is the origin of the main division between the Sunni and Shi'i sects. In this illustration, the Prophet is seen preaching seated on a minbar, or pulpit, with 'Ali and his sons Hasan and Husayn on his left side. The holy characters are identified by their flaming haloes and are surrounded by an attentive audience. The text mentions that the scene takes place in the interior of the mosque in Medina.. "Prophet Muhammad Preaching", Folio from a Maqtal-i Al-i Rasul of Lami'i Chelebi. late 16th century. Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper. Attributed to Turke

"Bahram Gur in the Red Palace on Tuesday", Folio 220 from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami A.H. 931/A.D. 1524-25 Nizami This scene takes place totally within the pavilion. The attendants, in their relaxed tête-à- tête, pay little attention to the royal couple who seem engrossed with one another. While the text calls for everything to be in red, the artist has used the color to unite the composition.. "Bahram Gur in the Red Palace on Tuesday", Folio 220 from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami 446607

fine arts, islamic art, Persia, miniature, funeral of Ghasan Khan, Dschami al-Tawarich, Herat, circa 1440, National Library, Paris,

Temujin proclaims himself Genghis Khan at the kurultai, a political and military council of ancient Mongol or Turkic chiefs and Khans, suppl Persan 1113, author Rashid al-Din Tabib

"The Poor Man Apprehends the Thief", 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 Poor Man Apprehends the Thief", Folio from a Kalila wa Dimna 453069

Mansur, Fatimid Caliph of Egypt, from a manuscript of Hafiz-i Abrus Majma al-tawarikh

GENGIS KHAN (1162-1227). Emperor founder of the first Mongol Empire in 1206. Fol. 44v. Mongols tributing to Genghis Khan. Illustration of the first section with the history of the Mongols. Edited 1430 ca. Compendium of Chronicles (Jami' al-tawarikh). ca. 1307. Persian art. Miniature Painting. FRANCE. ëLE-DE-FRANCE. Paris. National Library.

Akbar visits the tomb of Khwajah Mu'in ad-Din Chishti at Ajmer. Date/Period: 1590-1595 (painted) - 1595. Painting. Author: BASAWAN.

"Bahram Gur and the Indian Princess in the Dark Palace on Saturday", Folio 23v from a Haft Paikar (Seven Portraits) of the Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami of Ganja ca. 1430 Nizami The artist has achieved superb color harmony while still conveying the darkness of the pavilion required by the text. The perfection of such patterns as the tile work, and such details as the trays holding bottles, cups and fruit for the royal pair are characteristic of the supremely high quality of these Herat miniatures.. "Bahram Gur and the Indian Princess in the Dark Palace on Saturday", Folio 23v from a Haft Paikar (Seven Portraits) of the Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami of Ganja 455057

Sufis Entering a Castle, probably from a biographicaldictionary

"Rustam Lassos the Khaqan of Chin, Pulling him from his White Elephant", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) ca. 1330-40 Abu'l Qasim Firdausi The Khaqan (khan) of Chin (China) become an ally of the Turanians and faced the Iranians with a vast army, including many sumptuously adorned war elephants. Rustam, despite the enormous odds, was determined to capture the khan and take the booty to the Iranian shah, Kai Khusrau. Rustam charged through a barrage of missiles unscathed, flung his lasso, pulled the khan from his white elephant, bound him as a prisoner, and duly sent the loot to the shah. Although the confrontation has been reduced to the two principals and their attendant warriors, the presentation is still dramatic, with Rustam tightening the taut rope and the khan vainly trying to resist.. "Rustam Lassos the Khaqan of Chin, Pulling him from his White Elephant", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 452638

Iran/Persia: The Waqwaq Tree, 'Ajaib al-makhluqat ('The Marvels of Creation', Zakariya ibn Muhammad ibn Mahmud Abu Yahya al-Qazwini, 16th century

Abu Zayd preaching; Illustration from Maqamat of al-Hariri, Bibliothèque nationale de France, manuscript Arabe 5847, 1237AD. Folio 58 Verso: maqama 21.

The four Gospels, miniature from The tales of Luqman, Arabic manuscript, 1583.

Illustration from a manuscript of Hafiz-i Abrus Majma al-tawarikh

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