ManuscriptsPersian16th-17th century

Folio from a manuscript of the Nuzhatnama-i `Ala'i (The `Ala'i Book of Pleasure) by Shahmardan b. Abi 'l-Khayr Razi

16th-17th century

Description

On both sides of this folio from a manuscript of the Nuzhatnama-i ala’i by Shahmardan, small illustrations of birds in summary landscape settings are embedded within the text, which is written in naskh script. On the recto, a swallow (khuttaf) perches on the edge of a fishpond. The verso features two paintings. Near the top, four gray birds perch on a low-branching tree or bush. According to the text, they represent sparrows (gunjishk). At the bottom, an unidentified bird (badanjanah) with a green head and long, curling tail faces left. Plants growing out from under clusters of rocks mark the ground, and small running clouds indicate the sky.

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Culture

Persian

Period

Safavid period

Century

16th-17th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

24.8 x 16.5 cm (9 3/4 x 6 1/2 in.)

Provenance

[Léonce Rosenberg, Paris, at least until 1913]; [Origins, June, 1973], sold; to Edwin Binney, 3rd, (1973-1986), bequest; to the Harvard Art Museums, 2012. NOTE: Stored at the San Diego Museum of Art from some time before 1986 until 1991, then at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art from 1991-2011.