Illuminated Opening Page Titled Laila and Majnun from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami of Ganja

Ja'far Baisunghuri|Nizami

dated A.H. 835/ 1431–32 CE · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

In fine Persian manuscripts it was customary to surround the first two pages of the text with illuminated decoration. In this period a very fine blue made from lapis lazuli (a rich source of which was found in Afghanistan, where the city of Herat is now located), in conjunction with gold, was the dominant color. Other colors were used sparingly but with an artistry that greatly enriched the overall effect. Amongst the decorative devices arabesques, floral scrolls, and palmette scrolls predominate. Framing bands and panels with cartouches, as seen here, are characteristic. The flawless quality of the illumination in this manuscript suggests that it might be by the hand of Khalil, a favorite painter of Baisunghur who worked in the royal kitabkhana.

Artist

Ja'far Baisunghuri|Nizami

Date

dated A.H. 835/ 1431–32 CE

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 1994