First Pages of a Manuscript

16th century Persian manuscripts, some of which are dated with a precise year, attest to the high standing of book art. This manuscript shows the first pages of the Makhzan al-Asrar (The Treasury of Mysteries), the first epic poem from the Khamse (Five Jewels), the main work of Persian poet Nizami (c. 1141–1205-9) adapted by the scholar Jami (1414–1492), working in Herat. The calligrapher is probably Mahmud ibn Nizam al-Haravi, who worked with other calligraphers from Herat, including the famous Mir ‘Ali Husayni Haravi, at the Uzbek Court of Bukhara after the city was captured. The double page of the manuscript is dominated by rectangular fields each containing six lines in the decorative font Nasta’ līq, written on light bands of cloud ending in gold. The writing is framed by splendid colourful illuminations. (Barbara Til)