"Chinese Emperor Standing in Pavilion", Folio from a Majma al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Histories) of Hafiz-i Abru

Hafiz-i Abru

ca. 1425 · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

Written by court historian Hafiz-i Abru and modelled after the Ilkhanid Jami al-Tavarikh, the text of the Majma al-Tavarikh begins at the time of Adam and continues into the rule of Shah Rukh (r. 1405–47). This folio comes from the final page of a chapter relating to Oghuz, legendary ruler of the Turks. The manuscript, which was originally composed of 407 folios including 150 miniatures, remained intact until at least 1928. Its paintings were executed in three different styles. This folio displays Chinese influence in its motifs as well as in its limited palette, painterly brushstrokes, and use of unpainted paper as a ground.

Artist

Hafiz-i Abru

Date

ca. 1425

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of V. Everit Macy, 1929