Masnavi of Jalal al-Din Rumi

Unknown

dated A.H. 894/1488–89 CE · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; leather binding · Islamic Art

The frontispiece of this six book manuscript depicts a lively scene in which mounted hunters use swords, bows, and arrows to pursue their prey. Other paintings of receptions and feasts provide further insight into the courtly life of the period. An inscription in the colophon and on two other folios give the date of completion of this manuscript as 894 (A.D. 1488–89), although four of the 355 folios were added at a later date. The text by Jalal al-Din Rumi teaches moral philosophy and mysticism.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated A.H. 894/1488–89 CE

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; leather binding

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913