ManuscriptsPersian16th century

Illustrated Manuscript of the Subhat al-abrar (from Haft Awrang) by Jami

c.1530-1570

Description

The manuscript opens with an illuminated sarlawh on f. 2v. The text of 133 folia is copied in nasta'liq script, 12 lines and two columns to a page. There are three paintings in Safavid style. The colophon at the end of the book is not informative. The brown leather binding is decorated with stamped corner pieces and central medallion (turanj), decorated with floral and cloud-band patterns. The spine and edges are repaired probably in the late 19th century and replaced with lighter brown leather. The inside covers are sprinkled with gold on ochre paper.

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Ink, colors, and gold on paper; stamped leather binding

Culture

Persian

Period

Safavid period

Century

16th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

25 x 16 cm (9 13/16 x 6 5/16 in.)

Provenance

Ezzat-Malek Soudavar, Geneva, Switzerland (by 2014), by descent; to her son Abolala Soudavar, Houston, Texas (2014), loan; to Harvard Art Museums, 2015. 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.