"Sultan Sanjar and the Old Woman", Folio 17 from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami of Ganja

Sultan Muhammad Nur|Mahmud Muzahib|Shaikh Zada|Nizami

A.H. 931/1524–25 CE · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

This folio is from a lavishly illustrated copy of the Khamsa (Quintet) by the poet Nizami. The calligrapher of this manuscript, Sultan Muhammad Nur, is known to have worked in Herat during the reign of the Timurid ruler Sultan Husain Baiqara, along with the famous painter Bihzad. By the time this manuscript was produced, however, the city had come under Safavid control. Nevertheless, this painting exemplifies the fine drawing and jewel‑like finish of the style established within Sultan Husain’s royal workshop.

Artist

Sultan Muhammad Nur|Mahmud Muzahib|Shaikh Zada|Nizami

Date

A.H. 931/1524–25 CE

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913