Folio from a manuscript of the Nuzhatnama-i `Ala'i (The `Ala'i Book of Pleasure) by Shahmardan b. Abi 'l-Khayr Razi

Identification and Creation

Object Number: 2012.52
Title: Folio from a manuscript of the Nuzhatnama-i `Ala'i (The `Ala'i Book of Pleasure) by Shahmardan b. Abi 'l-Khayr Razi
Classification: Manuscripts
Work Type: manuscript folio
Date: 16th-17th century
Places: Creation Place: Middle East, Iran
Period: Safavid period
Culture: Persian
Persistent Link: https://hvrd.art/o/336994

Physical Descriptions

Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Dimensions: 24.8 x 16.5 cm (9 3/4 x 6 1/2 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History: [Léonce Rosenberg, Paris, at least until 1913]; [Origins, June, 1973], sold; to Edwin Binney, 3rd, (1973-1986), bequest; to the Harvard Art Museums, 2012.

NOTE:
Stored at the San Diego Museum of Art from some time before 1986 until 1991, then at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art from 1991-2011.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line: Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, The Edwin Binney, 3rd Collection of Turkish Art at the Harvard Art Museums
Accession Year: 2012
Object Number: 2012.52
Division: Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact: am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description: On both sides of this folio from a manuscript of the Nuzhatnama-i ala’i by Shahmardan, small illustrations of birds in summary landscape settings are embedded within the text, which is written in naskh script. On the recto, a swallow (khuttaf) perches on the edge of a fishpond. The verso features two paintings. Near the top, four gray birds perch on a low-branching tree or bush. According to the text, they represent sparrows (gunjishk). At the bottom, an unidentified bird (badanjanah) with a green head and long, curling tail faces left. Plants growing out from under clusters of rocks mark the ground, and small running clouds indicate the sky.

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

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