Persian manuscripts

Painters in Iran illustrated books: a treatise on the usefulness of animals, Nizami’s Khamsa and Firdawsi’s Shahnama, whose illustrated copies appear from the early 1300s in Baghdad, Tabriz and Shiraz. Under the Safavid dynasty (1501 to 1722), painters worked at Tabriz and later at Isfahan. Precise lines, patterned surfaces and vivid color can give a small manuscript image extraordinary detail. Persian book arts join painting with calligraphy, illumination and the shaping of a page. Poetry, history and courtly life provided subjects, while workshops in centers such as Tabriz and Herat developed distinct approaches. This small selection also contains calligraphic and illustrated manuscript leaves: look at how writing and image share the surface, without assuming every page was made for the same kind of book. Connected places: Iran · Tabriz · Isfahan.

• Qur’an Leaf in Eastern Kufic ScriptUnrecorded Iranian makers, 11th century
• Viper in a Rocky GardenUnrecorded Iranian makers, c. 1300
• King Anushirwan and the OwlsUnrecorded Iranian makers, Safavid dynasty (1501–1722), c.1535
• Royal Horse InspectionAliquli Jabbadar, Safavid dynasty (1501–1722), late 17th century