Illuminated page from a Zakhira-i Khvarazmshahi (Treasure Dedicated to the King of Khvarazm) of Isma’il Gorgani
ManuscriptsIndian18th century

Illuminated page from a Zakhira-i Khvarazmshahi (Treasure Dedicated to the King of Khvarazm) of Isma’il Gorgani

18th century

Description

The top of the page features an illuminated chapter heading, consisting of a multi-lobed shape with radiating layers. Below it is a band with a gold cartouche flanked by a floral pattern. Within the gold cartouche is a chapter heading written in Persian in white ink. Directly underneath the band is lines of Persian text written in blank ink and nasta’liq script. There are certain words and phrases highlight in larger text and in red or gold ink. The page’s borders are decorated with gently curving and swirling vines with large fern-like leaves and purple flowers. The page belongs to a dispersed copy of Isma’il Gorgani’s Zakhira-i Khvarazmshahi ("Treasure Dedicated to the King of Khvarazm"). Gorgani’s full name is Sayyid Zayn al-Din Isma'il al-Husayni al-Jurjani (b. 1041-1136). He was Persian and a royal physician. His Zakhira-i Khvarazmshahi is a medical treatise comprising ten chapters and a preface, which talks about the ecology, food, and people of Khvarazm (Khorasan), located in northeastern Iran. Deccan Sultanate Style.

Classification
Manuscripts
Medium
Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; Deccan Sultanate Style
Culture
Indian
Century
18th century
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Department
Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

folio: 34.1 x 20.8 cm (13 7/16 x 8 3/16 in.)

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Illuminated page from a Zakhira-i Khvarazmshahi (Treasure Dedicated to the King of Khvarazm) of Isma’il Gorgani | Harvard Art Museums | KenAI