Artwork Page for Illuminated folio (verso) from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sa'di (c. 1213–1291)

Details / Information for Illuminated folio (verso) from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sa'di (c. 1213–1291)

Illuminated folio (verso) from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sa'di (c. 1213–1291)

calligraphy: c. 1475–1500; border: c. 1550
(Iranian, 1430–1520)
Culture
Iran
Measurements
Overall: 30 x 19 cm (11 13/16 x 7 1/2 in.); Text area: 16.3 x 9.8 cm (6 7/16 x 3 7/8 in.)
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Meaning “rose bush” in Persian, the Gulistan is a collection of anecdotes in both verse and prose.

Description

The border scene is set in a magical forest bursting with blossoms. At the top, a winged lion chases a winged deer, who is caught in the bottom border. The imagery of a lion biting down on its prey dates from the Achaemenid period in Iran (550–330 BCE) and references the valor of the king. A fox scurries off to the right.

The verse is written in the Persian language using nastaliq script. Sultan ‘Ali Mashadi was widely renowned for perfecting the nastaliq script, and his calligraphy was a model for many followers across the Islamic world.
A vertical manuscript page features a central rectangle of flowing black calligraphy organized into rows and columns by thin gold lines. A wide tan border is densely covered in interlocking gold vines and floral motifs. Small gold flowers are interspersed within the text area. A thin gold frame surrounds the central panel, set against the intricate, shimmering patterns that fill the page's margins in a symmetrical and ornate composition.

Illuminated folio (verso) from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sa'di (c. 1213–1291)

calligraphy: c. 1475–1500; border: c. 1550

Sultan 'Ali al-Mashadi

(Iranian, 1430–1520)
Iran

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