ManuscriptsPersian16th century

Text (recto and verso), folio from a manuscript of the Shahnama by Firdawsi

1561-1562

Description

This text folio includes both poetry and prose written in nasta'liq script. The poetry is divided into four columns and is separated by colorful lines. The text concerns Mahmud of Ghazni, who was Firdawsi’s patron.

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Ink and gold on paper

Culture

Persian

Period

Safavid period

Century

16th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

37 x 23.5 cm (14 9/16 x 9 1/4 in.)

Provenance

[Christies, London, 17 October 1995, lot no. 79]. [Mansour Gallery, London, before 1998] sold; to Stanford and Norma Jean Calderwood, Belmont, MA (by 1998-2002), gift; to Harvard Art Museums, 2002.