ManuscriptsPersian19th century

Manuscript of the Qabusnama (Mirror for Princes) by 'Unsur al-Ma'ali Kay Kavus, with lacquer binding

1864

Description

The manuscript opens with a fine illuminated heading. The text is copied in shikasta nasta`liq script in black ink, 14 lines to a page on very thin grayish paper. According to its colophon, the manuscript was copied in Rabi I 1281 H (August-September 1864) by Muhammad Hasan al-Sharif for Aqa Mirza 'Ali. The lacquer binding has on the outer cover a large diamond shaped medallion in the center, which harmonizes with the illumination in the manuscript. The inner cover is decorated with a rose branch over a yellowish ground.

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer over brass layer on pasteboard (covers) Ink, gold, and colors on paper (text)

Culture

Persian

Period

Qajar period

Century

19th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

16.8 × 10.1 × 2.3 cm (6 5/8 × 4 × 7/8 in.) Text area: 12 × 6 cm (4 3/4 × 2 3/8 in.)

Provenance

Ezzat-Malek Soudavar, Geneva, Switzerland (by 2014), by descent; to her son Abolala Soudavar, Houston, Texas (2014), gift; to Harvard Art Museums, 2014. Note: Ezzat-Malek Soudavar (1913-2014) formed this collection over a period of sixty years. She purchased the works of art on the international art market.

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