f IRANIAN ART Fig. 8 (No. 17) IRANIAN ART

Treasures from the Imperial Collections and Museums of Iran

Catalogue by Dr. Mehdi Bahrami

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART Copyright, 1949, by The Metropolitan Museum of Art

ex cy. FOREWORD

On the occasion of his state visit to the President of the United States, His Imperial Majesty Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, Shahinshah of Iran, has brought with him this exhibition of Art Treasures from the Imperial Collections of Iran, which is now installed in special galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. These works of art, comprising many of the Iranian Empire's most priceless treasures, are under the custody of Dr. Mehdi Bahrami, Director of the Archaeological Museum in Teheran, and professor in Teheran University. Manuscripts, early illuminated copies of the Qur'an, sacred and profane texts ranging in date from the ninth to the seventeenth cen­ turies— many of them shown at the International Exhibition of Persian Art in London in 1931 —are placed in a setting of some fifty examples of recently excavated pottery, sculptures in stone and bronze, as well as gold and silver vessels and jewelry. These objects, of which only a few have been shown in an exhibition held last year at the Musee Cernuschi in Paris, are a revelation of the most recent archaeo­ logical activities of the Iranian Government. The exhibition is being held in the Museum's Galleries of Near Eastern Art and it is appropri­ ate that finds of our own Iranian expedition from 1931-1940 are shown adjacent to them. The Trustees of the Metropolitan Museum of Art are most grate­ ful to His Imperial Majesty for this gesture of friendship to the people of New York. To the Iranian Ambassador in Washington, His Ex­ cellency Hussein Ala, and to the Acting Consul General in New York, Ahmed Mehbod, we owe the realization of the project which has had the active cooperation of the Department of State. Particular thanks are due to the Assistant Secretary of State, the Honorable George V. Allen, formerly American Ambassador to Iran. The catalogue was prepared by Dr. Bahrami, who likewise selected the objects to come to this country. The manuscript was received at the Museum on October 25th and prepared immediately for the printer. The exhibitors have followed this text implicitly, making only such changes as were absolutely necessary. We regret that the author was not able to see proofs, and we beg the indulgence of the reader for any errors which may have crept in.

FRANCIS HENRY TAYLOR, Director

MAURICE S. DIMAND, Curator of Near Eastern Art PREFACE

The aim of the present exhibition is to acquaint the American public with selected masterpieces of Persian art which seem to the Iranian Government, after successive exhibitions held at London (1931), Leningrad (1935), and Paris (194S), to be greatly significant. The exhibition includes characteristic examples of every period, among them several recently discovered and hitherto unknown treas­ ures, such as the richly illuminated manuscripts from the Gulistan Library. It also shows the individual genius of Iranian art in spite of foreign influences. Because of the shortness of time and the difficulties of transport­ ing a large number of boxes, it has been necessary to limit the scope of the exhibition. It is a real pleasure, however, that close cooperation between the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Archaeological Museum of Teheran has been established. The name of the celebrated museum of New York City is as familiar in Iran, to every student of ceramic art, as it is in the United States. Fruitful results of the Museum's expedition to Kasr-i-Abu- Nasr and to Nishapur were divided between the Teheran and the Metropolitan museums. It is a great privilege for me, as the repre­ sentative of the Teheran Museum, to extend our best thanks to the Trustees and the Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, who have made possible the realization of so close a collaboration. For his able assistance, I am grateful to Dr. Dimand, the Curator of the Near Eastern Art Department of the Metropolitan Museum.

MEHDI BAHRAMI

CATALOGUE

i. Cup, painted pottery. Kazvin district, Ilnd millenium B.C. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Chalice shape with concave rim; red burnt clay painted in brown; parallel zigzag motif. H.31 cm.

2. Horse-shaped vessel, pottery. Maku region, XVth century B.C. Te­ heran, Archaeological Museum. The neck of the vessel rises from the back of the horse; decorated with slip and paint in yellow, red and black. The bridle is orna­ mented with a lily, and the saddle-cloth represents a carpet with birds, running animals and stylized flowers. A geometric border. H. 20.5 cm. Fig. 1. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 1, Fig. 1.

3. Dagger, gold. Kalar-Dasht, Xlth century B.C. Teheran, Archaeo­ logical Museum. With tang, median rib, and crescent. The hilt, now lost, was formerly of ivory or wood. L. 38 cm. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948, Cat. No. 9.

4. Goblet, Gold. Kalar-Dasht, Xlth century B.C. Teheran, Archaeologi­ cal Museum. Decorated with three lions in repousse low relief; applied heads in full relief. The mane of superimposed locks covers the forequarters, and a symbolical swastica decorates the flank. H. 9 cm. Fig. 2. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 11. // 5. Talisman, bronze. Luristan, IXth century B.C. Teheran, Archaeo­ logical Museum. Confronted upstanding ibexes with high horns flanked by two lion heads; curved necks, slender bodies, on a flask-shaped stand. Light green patina. H. 27.5 cm.

6. Plaque from a horse's bit. Luristan, IXth century B.C. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Lions with one horn and curved wings are walking, heads con­ fronted. L. 13.5 cm.

7. Dish, bronze. Luristan, IXth century B.C. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Found at Duma Aviza (Pusht-Kuh district). A shallow dish or wine-bowl ornamented with a wreath of radiating lotus flowers around a central boss; an inner garland of ten lotus buds. Cast and chased bronze. D. 22 cm. PUBLISHED: Sir Aurel Stein, Old Routes of Western Iran (London 1940) PL XVI, p. 292.

8. Plaque, gold. Zeiwya (Saqqiz) VHIth century B.C. Teheran, Ar­ chaeological Museum. Quadrilateral embossed plaque framed with tress border; in the center a stylized Assyrian sacred tree with cypress wreath flanked by two winged lions and bird-headed genii sprinkling holy water. L. 16-15 cm, H. 4.5 cm. Fig. 3.

9. Filigree necklace, gold. Zeiwya (Saqqiz) VHIth century B.C. Te­ heran, Archaeological Museum. Composed of ten hexagonal gold pendants, glazed beads, and granu­ lated gold ringlets. Each pendant encloses two confronted lions. 2.4 x 1.9 cm. Fig. 4. io. Lion's head and forequarters, gold. Zeiwya (Saqqiz) VHIth century B.C. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. The head has an open mouth, protruding tongue, and nose marked with three superimposed curved incisions; small horns and collarette. The mane is treated like pointed leaves. H. 7.6, L. 7 cm.

11. Griffon's head and forequarters, gold. Zeiwya (Saqqiz) VHIth cen­ tury B.C. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. The griffon is seated, the feet put forward, beak wide open, with protruding teeth. The eyebrow is grooved; and the chased eyes and ears were originally filled with an inlay of stones. H. 8.6 cm, L. 6 cm. Fig. 5.

12. Griffon's forequarters, gold. Zeiwya (Saqqiz) VHIth century B.C. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Similar to the preceding piece. H. 8.2 cm, L. 6.6 cm.

13. Jar, glazed pottery. Saqqiz, VHIth century B.C. Teheran, Archaeo­ logical Museum. Annular rim, ovoid body, with a collar of elongated, pointed leaves, painted in yellow, light blue and white, and outlined in brown. Beneath this radiating motif is seen a frieze of two kneeling antelopes on either side of a multipetalled rosette; the latter, with incised design, is in brown enamel against a light blue glazed background. H. 37.5 cm, D. 25.5 cm.

14. Jar, glazed pottery. Saqqiz, VHIth century B.C. Teheran, Archaeo­ logical Museum. As in the preceding piece, the egg-shaped body is ornamented with radiating collar, and kneeling antelopes painted in white, on either side of a colored palmette in white and brown. H. 36.5 cm, D. 23 cm. A similar glazed pot was found by W. Andrae at Ashur, in a late Assyrian dwelling-house. It lay on a clay stand containing human bones and presumably was associated with a foreign burial; see W. Andrae, Colored Ceramics from Ashur .. . (London 1925) p. 44, PL 20.

15. Vessel in the form of a goose, glazed pottery. Saqqiz, VHIth century B.C. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Goose with elongated neck, open bill and large body; the flaring mouth of the vessel is placed on the back of the goose. The wing feathers are fully modelled and enhanced with yellow and white streaks placed against a light blue glazed background which is partly defaced. This magnificent piece is a good example of a unique and traditional type of animal vessel which later is familiar in Parthian art. H. 22 cm, D. 22 cm. Fig. 6.

16. Rhyton ending in a ram's head, clay. Saqqiz, VHIth century B.C. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. The ram's head has two large curving horns, three incised lines above the eyes, and dotted forehead. This beautiful vase is close to the Achaemenid type. L. 25.5 cm. Fig. 7. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 8.

17. Head of a youth, lapis lazuli paste. Persepolis, c. 500 B.C. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Royal portrait in the round, with crenellated crown, waved hair ar­ ranged in a mass around the face, arched eyebrows, straight nose and small mouth; a remarkably human and skillful expression of Iranian art. H. 6 cm. Frontispiece, Fig. 8. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 43.

18. Head of a man, marble. Shami, 1st century A.D. Teheran, Archaeo­ logical Museum.

14 Skillfully modelled; short and straight nose, open eyes, short beard with typical Parthian hair-dress: long hair falling in a heavy roll upon the neck and held in place by a fillet. H. 10.5 cm. Fig. 9. PUBLISHED: Athar-e-han (1937) vol. II, fasc. 2, Fig. 134, pp. 285-305.

19. Rhyton with ibex base, pottery. Demavand, 1st century B.C. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Slender horn terminating in the forequarters of an ibex. This superb rhyton may be assigned to the end of the first century B.C. because of the discovery of two Parthian coins of Phraates II (138-128 B.C.) and Mithradates II (123-88 B.C.) in the same cemetery. From Kuhan in the Demavand region. H. 38 cm. Fig. 10. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 76.

20. Dish, silver. Mazanderan, second half of Vlth century A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Incised design representing, in the center, a handsome pheasant in a circle, surrounded by five scrolling branches, each with a different palmette. The border is decorated with a wreath of small flowers. D. 20.5 cm. Fig. n. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 85, illustrated.

21. Vase in the form of a horse; glazed pottery. Nihavand, Vllth century A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Standing figure (of which the feet have been broken). The mane of the horse is treated in the manner of small Sasanian wings. Soft white clay with straw-colored glaze and red pigments. H. 22 cm.

22. Flat plate, luster painted pottery. Istakhr, second half of IXth century A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. The interior is ornamented with a large palmette; the exterior, with dotted medallions and a signature: Zyadan. Painted in greengold luster on white glaze. D.32 cm. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 103.

23. Dish, blue painted pottery. Susa, second half of the IXth century A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Three low feet, buff glaze, and with design painted in cobalt blue representing a large palm tree in the trunk of which a sickle is em­ bedded; on the rim a row of half-palmettes. D. 24 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 48 F.

24. Bowl, glazed pottery. Nishapur, second half of the IXth century A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Flaring sides, decorated with two bands of Kufic inscription in red and black under a straw-colored glaze. The inscription consists of good wishes to the possessor. D. 26.5 cm. Fig. 12.

25. Bowl, glazed pottery. Nishapur, second half of the IXth century A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Small hearts painted in brown and red under a white glaze. Found by the Iranian Expedition of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1937. D. 27.5 cm. PUBLISHED: Bulletin of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, (Novem­ ber 1938) Section II, Fig. 28, p. 21.

26. Bowl, glazed pottery. Nishapur, second half of the IXth century A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. In the bottom a lattice motif surrounded by four palmettes with birds' heads in red and brown under a white glaze. D.20 cm.

16 27. Plate, glazed pottery. Gurgan, Xth century A.D. Teheran, Archaeo­ logical Museum. Flaring sides, white glazed pottery painted under the glaze in poly­ chrome: red, brown, and green. Decorated with four seated figures in a banquet scene. Roughly drawn, but characteristic example of early Islamic painting in Iran: large heads, and floriated patterns of the clothes. D. 33 cm. Fig. 13.

28. Ewer in the form of a calf (Gaw i Sofalin) glazed pottery. Rayy, middle Xllth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Standing figure, turquoise glaze; a raised mouth in the shape of a rider. Confronted horns, with a flower, on the animal's forehead. The tail is curved and ends with a lion's head. Found by the expedi­ tion of the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, 1934. H. 41 cm.

29. Flask, glass. Gurgan, end Xllth century A.D. Teheran, Archaeologi­ cal Museum. Blue cut glass with elongated narrow neck, with a silver stopper. Cut in facets around the body and depressions on the neck. H. 25 cm. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 132.

30. Flask, glass. Gurgan, end Xllth century A.D. Teheran, Archaeologi­ cal Museum. White cut glass with a slender neck, and a silver stopper fastened to the flask with a silver chain. Decorated with geometrical patterns. H. 25 cm. Fig. 14. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 135.

31. Camel, glass. Susa, end Xth century A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum.

'7 The camel is loaded with two slender elongated tubes which are joined together at the base. Blue cast glass. H. 10.5 cm.

32. Perfume flask, rock crystal. Gurgan, end Xllth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Cylindrical body, incised and cut around the base and the lip with deep lines. H. 7 cm.

33. Bottle, glass. Gurgan, end Xllth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. White cut glass with flaring neck and cylindrical body, decorated with two rows of leaves or palmettes. H. 16.4 cm. Fig. 15. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 130.

34. Bottle, faience. Gurgan, end Xllth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. With slender neck, cup-shaped mouth, and molded and pierced bosses. Around the body, gilt half palmettes and oval bosses in relief, painted over and under a turquoise glaze. H. 32 cm. Fig. 16. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 117.

35. Figure of a bird, faience. Gurgan, early XHIth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. The bird, with a superb crest, raised head, elongated beak and swollen breast, stands on a circular disk painted in black and blue under a translucent light blue glaze. H. 40.5 cm. Fig. 1 j. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 105.

18 36. Ewer, faience. Gurgan, about 1215 A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Flaring lip, small curved spout, slender neck and cylindrical body, which has an outer openwork shell of interlaced cables, painted in black, outlined in blue under a turquoise glaze. H. 17.5 cm. Fig. 18.

37. Statuette of an elephant-rider (Fll-Sawar), faience. Gurgan, first quarter of the Xlllth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Ornamented with two large disks which represent the ears of the animal, and a handsome howdah; partly molded, partly painted in black with floral pattern. H.22 cm. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 107.

38. Jar, luster painted faience. Gurgan, early Xlllth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Cup-shaped mouth, slender neck and globular body; decorated around the mouth with seated figures. On the body are seen riders amidst checkered cypresses; narrow inscription bands; and floriated fields with medallions. H. 49.5 cm, D. 27 cm. Fig. ig.

39. Bowl, luster painted faience. Gurgan, 1204 A.D. Teheran, Archaeo­ logical Museum. Bowl with low ring foot and raised rim. The flaring sides are orna­ mented inside with four pear-shaped medallions centered around a circular medallion of standing bulls, separated by scenes of small con­ versing figures. The inscription on the exterior of the rim contains the following signature: "The work of Muhammad the son of Abu Mansur of Kashan, dated Safar 601 H./ September 1204 A.D." It is however, difficult to compare this piece with the traditional style of Kashan; the son of Abu Mansur must have followed at Gurgan the local artistic school. D. 21 cm.

'9 40. Standing lion, bronze. Gurgan, first quarter of Xlllth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Incense burner in the shape of a fantastic lion with raised tail, orna­ mented with rows of arabesques, and an inscription on the chest. L. 29 cm. Fig. 20. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 104.

41. Figure of a rider, faience. Gurgan, first quarter of Xlllth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Bridle in hand, shield on his back, the rider is accompanied by a hunting chita. Turquoise glaze, painted in black. H. 27 cm. Fig. 21. EXHIBITED: Musee Cernuschi, Paris, 1948; Cat. No. 106.

42. Ewer, silver. Azarbaijan, Xth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Pear-shaped flask with spout and ring foot, decorated with two bands of engraved and niello Kufic inscriptions around the body. Below these appears the name of the possessor, Amir Abul 'Abbas Walkin b. Harun, in cursive Naskh script. H.26 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 139 F.

43. Candlestick, bronze. Khurasan, end of Xllth century. Teheran, Ar­ chaeological Museum. Inlaid with silver; flat shoulder, nine-sided body decorated with two rows of concave panels containing human figures and scenes, placed between two bands of inscriptions. Skillfully worked. H.26cm. Fig. 22. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 222 C.

44. Basin (lagan) bronze. About 1274 A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum.

20 Inlaid with silver. The interior is decorated with an enthroned Amir among his servants, surrounded with the signs of the zodiac; inscrip­ tion borders in Naskh, elongated letters interrupted by six polylobed medallions containing riders, hunters, musicians, dancers, etc. On the outside are various scenes of the sovereign's life. Inscribed, "Engraved by 'Ali b. Hamud of Mosul." Found at Hamadan in 1908. No dimensions given. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 233 C. PUBLISHED: Gaston Wiet, L'Exposition Persane de 1931 (Cairo, 1933) No. 41, PL VII.

45. Inscribed sheet, copper. Isfahan, 1647 A.D. Mashhad, Shrine Mu­ seum. Two-sided rectangular sheet, carved and painted, used as a window- blind (panjara) in the Shrine. Decorated on the obverse, with a large polylobed medallion surrounded by horizontal fields with inscription of praises to the Safavid King Shah 'Abbas II. The reverse has inter­ secting circles. Made by the master Muhammad Taqi in 1057 H./ 1647 A.D., by order of the son of Barkhurdan Murad, Anis al-Dawla. Dimensions lacking. Not exhibited.

46. Ewer, steel. Isfahan, 1715 A.D. Mashhad, Shrine Museum. Elegant in shape, with curved spout; flattened body of cast steel, chased and enamelled, with fine rose flower motifs on both sides. Made by the master Faizallah of Shushtar, in 1127 H./1715 A.D., by order of King Sultan Husain, for the Most Holy Shrine of Imam Riza at Mashhad. H. 30 cm. Not exhibited.

47. Manuscript, Quran (fragment). Khurasan, dated 1073 A.D. Mash­ had, Shrine Museum. Copied in handsome Samanid Kufic script and illuminated with frontispiece. Floral scrolls in gold enhanced with white. Ansa at the side of the page. Written and decorated by 'Uthman b. Hasan al- Warraq in 466 H./1073 A.D. 17 x 25 cm.

2/ 48. Manuscript, Quran (fragment). Khurasan, second half Xllth cen­ tury. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Double frontispiece pages. Floral arabesques painted in white against gold ground. Double title-pages (sarloh) with corner medallions (ansa). Written in fine Samanid Kufic script, black and red. 25 x 20 cm. Fig. 2j. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931;

Cat. (2nded.) No. 126 G. PUBLISHED: A Survey of Persian Art, Vol. V, PL 930 D, 932.

49. Manuscript, Quran. Dated 1177 A.D. Mashhad, Shrine Museum. Copied in Saljuk Kufic script by Ahmad b. 'Ali al-'Aqrabi al-Yunis- abadi in (5)73 H./1177 A.D. Illuminated by Muhammad b. 'Abd al-Rahman b. Muhammad al-Faraj al-Damghani. 30 x 22 cm.

50. Manuscript, Mufid al-Khdss (2nd part) by Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Zakariyya al-RazT; end Xllth century. Mashhad, Shrine Museum. Copied in Naskh, illustrated with human, animal and plant forms, in Saljuk style. Formerly in the possession of the Egyptian King al-Salih 'Imad al-Dln Isma'Il (743-6 H./1342-5 A.D.) Given by Nadir Shah to the Shrine of Imam Riza. 24 x 16 cm. Not exhibited. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 535 C. PUBLISHED: A Survey of Persian Art, Vol. V, PL 514.

51. Manuscript, Khawdss al-Ashjar (Dioscorides, Materia Medico), Xlllth century. Mashhad, Shrine Museum. Translated from Syriac into Arabic by Mihran b. Mansur. Copied in Naskh script and illustrated with numerous miniatures. The original names of the plants are indicated in Syriac notes. Given by Shah 'Abbas to the Shrine of Imam Riza in 1017 H./1608 A.D. 40 x 30 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 535 A.

22 52. Manuscript, Quran, with translation and commentary. Khurasan, 1188 A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Copied in fine Naskh script by the Master Muhammad b. 'Isa b. Muhammad b. 'Ali al-Laithi of Nishapur in 584 H./1188 A.D. This is Volume III of Sur-abadi's Persian Commentary, composed and written for the Ghurid King, Ghiyath al-Dln Muhammad b. Sam (1162-1202 A.D.) The manuscript presents skillful examples of book decoration of the Saljuk period. Richly illustrated, with hjia- tima, full pages, numerous chapter-headings and marginal embellish­ ments with geometrical and floral designs, painted in red or blue ami gilded. Bound in blind-stamped leather with interlaced patterns, of the Xlllth century. Given by Shaikh al-Islam Abul-Fath Muham­ mad b. Shams al-Dln Mutahhar, in 654 H./1256 A.D. to the Shrine of the Shaikh al-Islam Ahmad of Jam, his ancestor. 39 x 30 cm. Fig. 24. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Quran Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 31-34, Figs. 4,18.

53. Manuscript, Quran, with translation and commentary, Khurasan, 1209-11 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Elegant example of the early Thulth script, written by the master As'ad b. Muhammad b. Abi '1-Khair b. Ahmad b. Abi '1-Harath Sahluya of Yazd, in Rabi' I 606 H./September 1209 A.D. and il­ luminated by the painter Ahmad b. Abi Nasr b. Abi 'l-'Umar b. Abi 'Attiq, in Rajab 608 H./December 1211 A.D. The manuscript is decorated with a single page of frontispiece ('unwan) and a double title-page (sarloh) showing elaborate arabesques with foliated Kufic letters in the margin, and a single eight-pointed star surrounded by small squares (shamsa type). The interlinear translation is written in Naskh, and an abridgment of Tabari's commentary is given in Persian at the end of every Sura. 39 x 31 cm. Fig. 25. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 36-41.

54. Manuscript, the Kawakjb, of 'Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi, early Xlllth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Astronomic text in Arabic, copied in Naskh script. An illuminated

23 frontispiece, and seventy-six roughly colored drawings in black, dotted with gold. 24.5 x 18 cm.

55. Manuscript, Qur'an, dated 1286 A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Mu­ seum. Copied in fine Naskh, Yaquti, script by the famous master from Baghdad, Yaqut al-Musta'simi in Jumada I, 685 H./June 1286. Two illuminated full pages as frontispiece; decorated with headings and borders. Bound in gold-stamped brown leather with flap and central medallion. 34.5 x 24 cm. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 47.

56. Manuscript, Qur'an (fragment). School of Tabriz, 1304 A.D. Te­ heran, Archaeological Museum. Copied in a powerful Thulth script by the master Ahmad b. Sahra- wardi in 704 H./1304 A.D. Full page frontispiece in interlaced geo­ metrical designs, and a double title-page with exquisite foliated scrolls painted in gold against a blue ground. The manuscript was illuminated by the painter Muhammad b. Ibak in 704 H./1304 A.D. Contemporary stamped leather binding with floral arabesques. 49.5 x 35 cm. Fig. 26. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibition, 1949; Cat. Nos. 51-54, Figs. 9, 21.

57. Bookbinding, School of Tabriz, early XlVth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Blind stamped brown leather, with flap; inside covered with floral arabesques, and the outside has, within a narrow border, a large star with small squares at four corners bearing the signature of the book binder: 'Abd al-Rahman. The date of the binding is provided by the manuscript itself, a fragment of a Qur'an, dated 706 H./1306-07 A.D. 49.5 x 35 cm. Fig. 27. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 54, PL 31. 58. Manuscript, Masdli/^ al-Mamdli/^ (Routes of the Provinces), Isfahan, 1325 A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Geographical text, translated into Persian and copied by Ibn Sawaji Abul-Mahasin Muhammad b. Sa'd b. Muhammad, in Muharram 726 H./December 1325 A.D., at Isfahan. Frontispiece with polylobed medallion, thirteen chapter headings with elaborate arabesques, and twenty colored maps. Bound in blind-stamped XVIIth century morocco. 31 x 23 cm. Fig. 28.

59. Manuscript, Qur'an, dated 1338 A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Mu­ seum. Copied in Naskh script, in gold with black outlines, by the master Ahmad al-Muhsini in 738 H./1338 A.D. The manuscript is richly illuminated, with two frontispieces, polylobed stars (shamsa), a double title-page, chapter-headings (sdr-surdt), marginal indications and two pages at the end (khatima), decorated with floral patterns in gold and brown against a blue background. It belonged, at one time, to the library of al-Ashraf Saif-al-Din Qaitbay in Egypt (1486- 96 A.D.) and later to the library of the first Safavid ruler, Shah Isma'Il (1502-24 A.D.); whose name is engraved on the inside of the cover flap. The binding is of stamped morocco, gilded and painted in blue, with Qur'anic inscription borders, polylobed me­ dallions containing separate cloud bands; inside, elongated field covered with lattice-work and filigrane borders. 39 x 26.5 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 717 A. PUBLISHED: A Survey of Persian Art, Vol. V, PL 966, A.

60. Manuscript, Qur'an (fragment), Shiraz, 1346 A.D. Shiraz Museum. Copied in Thulth script with gold and thin black outlines (tahrir) by the master Pir Yahya al-Jamali al-Sufi at Shiraz in 746 H./1346 A.D. The manuscript is richly decorated with four full-page title- headings (sdr-loh), chapter-heading (sdr-surdt), numerous marginal medallions, and a red-painted colophon. The text stands against a red floriated ground, and is framed by two narrow borders with ansa

25 and two horizontal fields. The exquisite flowers of Shiraz appear in the border, and the ornamental character of the Kufic inscription band is enhanced with scrolling vines, painted against a dark auber­ gine red ground. The manuscript is signed at the end by the painter Hamza b. Muhammad b. 'Alawi. According to a contemporary memorandum on the first page, this fragment of the Qur'an was given to the shrine of Imam-zadah Ahmad b. Musa in Shiraz by Tashi Khatun, wife of Amir Shaikh Abu Ishaq. 36 x 52 cm. Fig. 29. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 59-60.

61. Manuscript, Kalila wa Dimna, translated into Persian by Nasrullah Abul-Ma'alT. Herat, early XVth century. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Copied in Nasta'liq and decorated with a double scene of an en­ throned Amir as frontispiece. Of the thirty-five exquisite miniatures, the following deserve special attention: 1) Portrait of the Prophet Muhammad and his disciples. 2) Crab and heron. 3) Crows fighting with owls. Fig. 30. 4) Fowler catching birds of gay colors. 5) Lion devouring an ass, naturalistic movement. Fig. 31. 6) Old tree and two birds. 30 x 21 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Car. No. 541 B. PUBLISHED: A Survey of Persian Art, Vol. V, Pis. 865-8.

62. Manuscript, Qur'an (fragment) 1424 A.D. Mashhad, Shrine Mu­ seum. Copied in fine Naskh in black and gold, richly illuminated with 'untvan, \hatima, and chapter-headings (sdr-surdt) by the renowned Timurid prince Ibrahim Sultan, in 827 H./1421 A.D. Sixteen pages. Dimensions lacking. PUBLISHED: A Survey of Persian Art, Vol. V, PL 940 A.

63. Manuscript, Shdhndma of Firdausi, Khurasan, dated 1430 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Library.

26 Important and sumptuous manuscript copied by Ja'far Baysunquri of Tabriz, head of the Timurid Royal Library at Herat, at the order of the prince Baysunqur Bahadur Khan. Dated Jumada I 833 H./ February 1430. A double full-page frontispiece miniature, represent­ ing a hunting scene, and twenty other miniatures of outstanding quality. The manuscript is richly illuminated, with one shamsa, an ex libris, two 'unwan pages with Kufic heading-inscriptions written in white, and, finally, two \hatimas. The text is written in fine Nasta- 'liq, ornamented with colored chapter-headings, and is set inside gold rulings. Besides the historical significance of the manuscript, it contains examples of the work of the early Herat School which is doubtless unrivalled in the history of Iranian book painting. The expressive character of the figures is combined with an unexpectedly lively and warm color composition. It is, moreover, possible to recog­ nize the work of two different artists. The binding is gold-stamped, with cartouches and raised borders in lacquer, and is of XVIth century date. 38 x 27 cm. Figs. 32,33. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 538 B. PUBLISHED: Minorsky, in Apollo, (February 1931), pp. 71-75- A Survey of Persian Art, Vol. V, Pis. 869-74.

64. Manuscript, Shahndma of Firdausi, dated 1443 A.D. Teheran, Guli­ stan Library. Frontispiece of two miniatures representing an enthroned queen attended by maidens, in Timurid style. Full pages of illumination, and twelve other miniatures, partly damaged. Written in Nasta'Iiq script by Muhammad b. Muhammad b. Muhammad 'Ali Hanafl Shushanqi in 847 H./1443 A.D. Stamped black leather binding; inside, lattice-work with gold on blue ground. 26 x 18 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 539 G.

27 65. Manuscript, Hdlndma (Book of Ecstasy) by 'Arifi, Herat, 1469 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Library. The poem is also called Guy u Chugdn (The ball and the polo-stick). Copied in excellent Nasta'liq script by the master Sultan 'Ali b. Muhammad of Mashhad, at Herat in 874 H./1469 A.D. with one exquisite miniature in the style of Bihzad, representing an old man (a dervish) conversing with a youthful rider. Bound in gold-stamped morocco with hunting scenes, and on the inside, lattice-work with gold details. Ex libris in the name of the Safavid Prince Bahram Mirza. 21 x 14 cm.

66. Bookbinding. Tabriz, XVth century. Teheran, Archaeological Mu­ seum. Gold-stamped brown leather with flap; outside, a tree bending over, a running hare, and flying storks in a hilly landscape; inside, central medallion containing an antelope attacked by an eagle, in filigrane against a blue background. 22 x 13.5 cm.

67. A group of Miniatures, late XVth to early XVIth centuries. Mashhad, Shrine Museum. A. Portrait of Mir 'Ali Shir Nawa'I, end XVth century. The Timu­ rid vizir wears a white turban and a garnet cloak over a blue robe. He is emaciated, leaning on his long stick, in the last years of his life (he died in 1501 A.D.) Signed by Mahmud Mud- hahhib. Given to the Mashhad Shrine by Mir Ma'sum the binder, in 1260 H./1844 A.D. 16x7 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 501. PUBLISHED: A. Sakisian, Ars Islamica, IV (1937) p. 339, Fig. 1.

B. Portrait of a Princess, end XVth century. She walks with two other maidens dressed in blue and red. Signed by Mahmud Mudhahhib. Inscribed: "Chinese girls." (Nazinin) 15.5 x 9 cm. PUBLISHED: A Sakisian, op. cit., p. 340, Fig. 2.

28 C. Miniature, early XVIth century. A teacher conversing with a holy dervish in a garden by a stream. 18 x 11.5 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 494.

D. Miniature, Bukhara, early XVIth century. A winged genius in blue, yellow and red. Signed, Mahmud Mudhahhib. 17.5 x 9 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 501.

E. Miniature, Bukhara, early XVIth century. A youth offering an apple to a lady. Signed, Mahmud Mudhahhib. 20.5 x 11.5 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 501.

F. Miniature, Bukhara, early XVIth century. Young man holding a cup and apple, leaning against a tree; white turban and blue garment. 18 x 10 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 583.

G. Miniature, Bukhara, early XVIth century. Portrait of a young prince in a red dress seated under a weeping willow tree, pouring out wine. 12.5 x 21.5 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 635.

H. Miniature, Bukhara, early XVIth century. An enthroned Amir in a sumptuous iwan, attended by two rows of standing and seated persons. Dimensions lacking.

I. Portrait of Mirza Karam. Bukhara, XVIth century. He is shown as a tall, bearded young man, standing and smelling the flowers of a tree. Inscribed: Portrait of Mirza Karam. 20 x n cm.

29 68. Manuscript, Khamsa of Jami, 1481-1522 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Written in fine Nasta'liq, the first book in 886 H./1481 A.D., and the rest in 928 H./1522 A.D. by the master 'Ali al-Husaini al-Haravi, by order of a prince. Richly ornamented with gold painted figural margins, three opening pages, and three others at the end of the manuscript which include also a hunting scene drawn in gold. Ten miniatures arranged as five double-page frontispieces for the five books. They represent: 1) a servant kissing the boot of a young Safavid sovereign; 2) dervishes dancing; 3) Zulaikha receiving Yusuf; 4) Majnun in the desert; and, 5) a pleasure scene with dance. These five miniatures are attributed respectively to: 1) Sultan Mu­ hammad Shahi; 2) Haidar 'Ali, son of Bihzad's sister; 3) Qasim 'Ali Tchihra Gusha; 4) Muzzaffar 'Ali, son of Bihzad's brother; and, 5) Maqsud, Bihzad's pupil. Bound in gold-stamped leather; inside, filigrane work in red, green, blue, and gold. 34.5 x 23.5 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 544 B. PUBLISHED: V. Minorsky, Apollo, (February 1931) pp. 71-75.

69. Jahangir's Album, the Muraqqa Gulshdn, of various dates. Teheran, Gulistan Library. The album contains examples of miniatures, gouache-painting, cal­ ligraphy, and printed pictures, by both Iranian and Indian artists, collected and mounted within margins finely illustrated by the most clever masters of Jahangir's Court in India. A number of pages of calligraphy bear the signatures of great masters, such as, Sultan 'Ali of Mashhad, Mir 'Ali of Herat, Sultan Muhammad Nur, and Zarrin Qalam. The miniatures include some significant works of the XVth century schools of Herat and Bukhara, as well as Indo-Persian mas­ terpieces. Of special interest are the following scenes: 1) Sultan Husain Mirza in a garden, seated near a tree among his harem and attended by servants, musicians, etc. Attributed to Bihzad by a later signature. Compare with Philip Hofer's un­ finished page. Fig. 34. 2) Fighting camels with two guides. Attributed to Bihzad at the age of seventy. Fig. 35.

3° 3) Slightly colored rocky landscape in winter. Attributed to Bihzad. 4) Hunting scene in two episodes; style of Mahmud Mudhahhib. Golden mountain and sky added later by Daulat in the XVIIth century. 5) A king arriving at his sumptuous tents, with a palace in the background; style of Mahmud Mudhahhib. 6) Majnun seated among the wild beasts; style of Qasim 'Ali. 7) A king attending the preparation of gold by alchemists, XVIth century. 8) A Safavid prince in a pavilion, conversing with two young men. XVIth century. 9) A youth seated near a tree. Signed and dated, 'Abd al-Samad 958H./1551 A.D. 10) Young rider guiding his horse in a hilly landscape; signed and dated, 'Abd al-Samad, 965 H./1558 A.D. 11) Pleasure scene, Humayun and Akbar in a garden, signed 'Abd al-Samad, Shir in Qalam. 12) A dervish watching by night, signed by 'Abd al-Samad. 13) Sage talking with a youth, signed, Aqa Riza. 14) Prince seated in an iwan, signed, Aqa Riza, Client of King' ir\*a Salim (Jahangir). Size of the album: 40.5 x 20 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. Nos. 8, 28, 85, 90-91, 95-96, 483, 512, 601, etc.

70. Manuscript, Qur'an, dated 1523 A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Mu­ seum. Copied in fine Thulth and Naskh scripts by the master Pir Muham­ mad al-thani (the second) in 929 H./1523 A.D., with two minutely decorated full-page title-headings in gold and blue, by the illuminator Ruzbahan b. HajjT NaTm al-Din, al-Katib in 930 H./ 1524 A.D. 18 x 29 cm. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibition, 1949, Cat. No. 79. 71. Manuscript, Khamsa of Nizami, dated 1526 A.D. Teheran, Archaeo­ logical Museum. Copied in Nasta'liq script by Shaikh Muhammad b. Fakhr al-Din al-Katib al-Sultani, in Ramadan 933 H./April 1526. Two illumi­ nated frontispieces, four title-headings, and twenty-one miniatures. Of special interest are the following: 1) Shirin consulting Shapur about the secret of the picture. 2) Khusraw discovering Shirin bathing. 3) Farhad cutting a milk stream in the mountain of Bistun. 4) Azada carrying a calf on her shoulders. 5) Bahram in his green pavilion. 6) A shepherd punishing a sheep-dog. In spite of some misrendering of movement, the general composi­ tion and coloring evoke the style of Safavid painting. Bound in gold-stamped brown leather with flap; inside, filigrane in gold. 30 x 18 cm.

72. Manuscript, Zafarndma, of Sharaf al-Dln 'Ali Yazdi, Tabriz, 1529 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Copied in fine Nasta'liq script by the master Sultan Muhammad Nur, and illuminated by the master Mir 'Adhud of Bukhara; with four frontispiece pages covered with Chinese hunting scenes in gold, and two 'unwan pages. Dated 935 H./1529 A.D. The manuscript has twenty-four miniatures which are attributed to Bihzad in the colophon, but seem, rather, to be the work of a clever pupil of the renowned artist, who was skilled in the use of harmonious colors, decorative details, and composition. Binding in gold-stamped brown morocco, with cloud-bands. The inside is of filigrane work with a medallion against a gold ground. 23-5 x 36-5 cm- FiS- 36- EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 543 C. PUBLISHED: A Survey of Persian Art, Vol. V, PL 905-07.

73. Manuscript, Shahndma of Firdausi, dated 1532 A.D. Teheran, Ar­ chaeological Museum. Copied in Nasta'liq script by Muhammad in Ramadan 938 H./April 1532, probably in Shiraz, for Qawam al-Dawla son of Mirza 'Ali.

32 Illuminated headings, and forty-three miniatures executed by differ­ ent hands, in the style of Shiraz. Bound in brown leather; inside, filigrane on blue ground. 38 x 23 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 722 C.

74. Inscribed Curtain, dated 1538 A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Mu­ seum. Written in various characters, Thulth, Riqqa, Naskh, Kufic, and Nasta'liq, mostly in microscopic letters, by Yusuf al-Ghubari, in 945 H./1538 A.D. The curtain has an elongated central field sur­ rounded by several inscription borders, alternately in black, red, and gold, with an illuminated frame containing an inscription band and scrolled arabesques in gold against a blue background. Presented to the Ardabil Shrine by Bahram Mirza, son of Shah Isma'il. 150 x 100 cm. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 88.

75. Manuscript, Qur'an, first half of the XVIth century. Teheran, Ar­ chaeological Museum. Copied in fine Naskh script with interlinear Persian translation, on red paper, richly illuminated. The first double pages are decorated with central medallions containing inscriptions in white on a gold ground. The next pages, fully illuminated, have blue grounds with inscriptions, and, at the end of the manuscript, four full pages, deco­ rated (\hatima). Numerous title-headings and marginal medallions. Bound in gold-stamped brown leather with cloud-bands; inside, filigrane work. The manuscript was given to the Ardabil Shrine in 995 H./1587 A.D. 28.7 x 46.5 cm. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 93.

76. Manuscript, Quran, first half of the XVIth century. Teheran, Ar­ chaeological Museum. Copied in Naskh and Thulth scripts, with handsome illuminated frontispiece, chapter-headings (sdr-surdt) and margins in gold on a

33 blue ground. The opening page contains a central medallion with inscription in gold surrounded by intertwined cloud-bands. The manuscript was given to the Ardabil Shrine by the Safavid Prince, Bahrain Mirza, in 946 H./1539 A.D. Brown leather binding stamped in gold, with flap; inside, filigrane work on a blue ground. 26 x 16.5 cm. EXHIBITED: Qur'an Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 84.

77. Calligraphic Page, first half of the XVIth century. Mashhad, Shrine Museum. Page of an album. Written in fine Nasta'liq script by Sultan Mu­ hammad Khandan, on red paper; an animal under a tree. Dimensions lacking.

78. Manuscript, Khamsa of Nizami, dated 1543 A.D. Teheran, Archaeo­ logical Museum. Copied in Nasta'liq script, in Muharram 950 H./April 1543 A.D. (the date is indicated only at the end of the third book, on page 244); illuminated with two title-pages ('unwan) and five book-headings (sdr-\itdb) and illustrated with nineteen miniatures in the Safavid style of Tabriz. Gold-stamped and filigrane book binding. The manuscript was given by Shah 'Abbas to the Ardabil Shrine in 1017 H./1608 A.D. 31 x 20 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 547 C.

79. Manuscript, Khamsa of Nizami, dated 1547 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Double-page 'unwan and five illuminated book-headings. Twelve miniatures, partly damaged, in the Tabriz style. Dated 954 H./1547 A.D. New binding. 32 x 20.5 cm.

80. Manuscript, Khamsa of Nizami, school of Shiraz, middle XVIth century. Teheran, Gulistan Library.

34 Copied in fine Nasta'liq script by the master Muhammad Qawam of Shiraz. Two 'unwan pages with central medallion, five book- headings, and eleven miniatures. The following are of special interest: i) Khusraw fighting with Bahram Chubin; the elephant rider is accompanied by an astronomer, finely drawn and painted. 2) Arrival of Majnun at Laila's tent. 3) Hermes conversing with the seventy philosophers; triangular arrangement of the scene, ornamented garments. 19 x 31.5 cm. Compare with Jaml's Haft Aurang, in the Bodleian Library, (Ar­ nold, Painting in Islam, PL 32) and with Zakani's Kulliat, dated 959 H./1552 A.D., in a private collection in Teheran.

81. Manuscript, Bustdn, of Sa'di, Bukhara, dated 1554 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Copied in fine Nasta'liq script by Mir Husain al-Hasani al-Katib; decorated with gold margin, illuminated double title-page, and four miniatures painted by Mahmud Mudhahhib. Made at the order of 'Abdallah Munshi, Director of the Royal Library of the Uzbeg King 'Ubaidallah at Bukhara, dated 961 H./1554 A.D. Harmonious com­ position and colors. 1) Dara conversing with his groom. 2) The discussion of a Qazi with a dervish. 3) Divan scene of the Amir Salih from Sham; with the name of 'Abdallah Munshi, date, and signature. 4) Sa'di in the temple of Suminat (Somnath) in India. Binding brown morocco with gold-stamped central medallion and corners. 23 x 13.5 cm. Compare with Jaml's Baharistdn, formerly in the collection of E. de Lorey, dated 1551 A.D., and signed by the same calligrapher and painter; A. Sakisian, "Mahmud Mudhahib," in Ars lslamica (1937) PP- 343-3-

82. Manuscript, Qur'an, dated 1581 A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Mu­ seum. Copied in fine Naskh script by the master Shams al-Dln 'Abdallah in 989 H./1581 A.D.; richly illuminated and gilded. The four opening

35 pages, and the four at the end of the book (\hatima) are sumptu­ ously decorated. Gold-stamped leather binding covered with poly­ lobed medallions enclosing geometrical rosettes, and framed in a double border with cartouches; inside, intricate designs in lattice­ work, filigrane on a colored ground. The flap is also richly decorated. This magnificent example of Safavid Qur'an illumination was made for the Ardabil Shrine. 80 x 55 cm. Fig. 3J. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 862. PUBLISHED: A Survey of Persian Art, Vol. V, PL 966 B.

83. Manuscript, Bustdn of Sa'di, Herat, 1562 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Copied in fine Nasta'liq script by Mir 'Ali al-Sultani, at Herat, and decorated with five miniatures, of which one bears the signature of Mahmud Mudhahhib, and the others can be attributed to him. Dated 970 H./1562 A.D. 1) Dara and his groom; varied and symmetrical grouping. Signed. 2) Reception scene of the prophet Abraham; inscribed: "For the library of 'Abdallah Bahadur Khan, 970 H./1562 A.D." 3) Visit of a young physician. 4) Discussion between a Qazi and a dervish. 5) Divan of the Amir Salih from Sham, with an inscription in the name of the Shaibanid King. 16.5 x 24 cm.

84. Manuscript, Shahndma of Qasimi, second half XVIth century, Te­ heran, Archaeological Museum. Copied in Nasta'liq script on marbled paper (abri). The text contains the exploits of Shah Tahmasp, and the margin, the Timurndma by Hatifi. Double-page frontispiece, many illuminated chapter-head­ ings. Eleven miniatures, finely drawn in a small size, in the style of the Tabriz school. Binding stamped; inside, lattice-work with central medallion on a blue ground. 35 x 23 cm. Fig. 38. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 720.

36 85. Bookbinding, XVIth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Gold-stamped, black morocco with rectangular field framed in in­ scribed cartouches, Qur'anic verses, interlaced medallions, and flori­ ated scrolls. The inside has a central polylobed medallion and corners in gold filigrane against red morocco. 20.5 x 32.5 cm.

86. Manuscript, Kullidt (complete work) of Sa'di, Tabriz School, XVIth century. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Copied in Nasta'liq script by 'Abdallah son of Shaikh Murshid al- Katib (calligrapher) decorated with two full page sdrlohs, represent­ ing a Divan scene, followed by an illuminated double page 'unwan, and thirteen miniatures. Gold-stamped binding. 24 x 15 cm.

87. Flap of a bookcover, Tabriz School, XVIth century. Teheran, Ar­ chaeological Museum. Lacquer work with painting and illumination; outside, a hunting scene in a forest against yellow-red ground; inside, a prince seated in a field among his servants; green ground. L. 27 cm. Fig. 35a.

88. Manuscript, Bustdn of Sa'di, Herat School, XVIth century. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Copied in beautiful Nasta'liq script in the style of Mir 'Ali; double page illuminated 'unwan; six miniatures in lively colors, imitating the style of Bihzad. Margin decorated with arabesques and floral motifs, tash'ir. Lacquer binding, XlXth century. 29 x 18 cm. Fig. 30.

89. Illuminated Page, Isfahan, dated 1599 A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Separate frontispiece page framed in a narrow border with two horizontal inscription fields. Floral palmette, flanked by two rows of

37 large leaves enhanced with blue and gold. Minutely drawn and finely colored. Inscribed: "For the High Eminent Shah 'Abbas Bahadur Khan, by the poor Zain al-'Abidin Mudhahhib (the illuminator) of Shiraz in the capital-city of Isfahan, in the year 1008 H." (1599 A.D.). 37 x 25 cm-

90. Manuscript, Qur'an, end XVIth century. Mashhad, Shrine Museum. Copied in beautiful Naskh script in black and gold by the renowned Safavid calligrapher 'Ali Riza 'Abbasi, by order of Shah 'Abbas the Great. Decorated with illuminated double page 'unwan and \hatima. 35 x 50 cm.

91. Miniature, Isfahan, 1623 A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. A seated youth holding a cup and a flask of wine; drawn in black and slightly tinted. Signed by Riza 'Abbasi in Shawwal 1032 H./ August 1623 A.D. 22.5 x 30 cm. Fig. 42a.

92. Pages from a Muraqqd (Album), Isfahan, first half XVIIth century. Teheran, Gulistan Library. A. Portrait of a young man dressed in blue and holding a wine-cup; set in arabesque margins. Inscribed: "Portrait of Dervish Be- hishtl of Hamadan in Jumada I, 1034 (February 1625) by Riza 'Abbasi." 32.5 x 20 cm. Fig. 40. B. Miniature of a youth wearing a cloak; signed, Aqa Riza. 32.5 x 20 cm. Fig. 41.

93. Miniature, Isfahan, second half XVIIth century. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Page of a muraqqa (album), representing a rider and his servant, an old man half seated on horse-back, wearing a turban and turning his head, in a hilly landscape. Slightly tinted; in the Isfahan style. 30 x28 cm. Fig. 42.

38 94- Miniature, second half XVIIth century. Mashhad, Shrine Museum. A dancing girl, stretching her hands and waving the ends of her purple scarf; rich dress. Skillfully drawn with harmonious colors: red, blue, green and violet; in the style of Aqa Riza. 17 x 9 cm. EXHIBITED: International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931; Cat. No. 641.

95. Miniature, Isfahan, 1666 A.D. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. A wedding scene, probably Zulaikha receiving Yusuf in her royal palace. Finely drawn and lively in color. Of special interest is the harmonious grouping of the girls surrounding the scene. A high iwan and an old tree form the background. A small rectangular pool painted in black is in front of the young man. Inscribed: "Mu'in Musawwir, Rabl' I, 1077" (September 1666 A.D.). 19.6 x 29 cm.

96. Miniature, Isfahan, second half XVIIth century. Teheran, Archaeo­ logical Museum. Page from a Nizami manuscript, Khusraw discovering Shirin bath­ ing under an old tree beneath a mountain. Signed by Mu'in Mu­ sawwir. 26.5 x 38 cm.

97. Portrait of Lutf 'Ali Khan, Shiraz 1779 A.D. (Museum not given.) The young prince is shown with his beautiful horse in full splendor, richly dressed in brocade and wearing an aigrette on his cap. Painted in gouache. Inscribed: "Unrivalled portrait of the happy, renowned prince, the light of the government's eyes, Khan of noble family, Lutf 'Ali Khan Zand . . . aged twenty-one years, by the most humble Bahrain of Shiraz in 1193 H." (1779 A.D.). 13.5 x 17.5 cm.

98. Miniature, early XlXth century. Teheran, Archaeological Museum. Portraits of a young royal couple conversing together in a garden

39 near a pool, but shown separately in a double page of an album. They are richly dressed in violet brocade and red striped taffeta, with splendid jewels: girdle, necklace, diadem and clasps. Painting in gouache, with strong European influence. 28.7 x 36.8 cm.

99. Manuscript, Qur'an, Isfahan, 1815-16 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Li­ brary. Copied in Ghubar script, in microscopic characters, on six pages, by 'Abdallah Ashur in 1231 H./1815-16 A.D., at Isfahan, for the Kajar King Fath 'Ali Shah. According to the colophon the same calligra- pher had copied a hundred other Qur'ans before producing this manuscript. Decorated with chapter-headings. Lacquer binding with large handsome flowers. 94 x 56 cm. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibit, 1949; Cat. No. 134.

100. Bookbinding, dated 1836 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Lacquer binding with three flowering shrubs, framed in an inscrip­ tion border, the writing white against a black background; by Mu­ hammad Ibrahim b. Saifallah al-Husaini, in 1252 H./1836 A.D. 60 x 42 cm. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an, Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 136.

101. Manuscript, Qur'an, Shiraz, 1852-53 A.D. Teheran, National Library. Copied in fine Naskh script by the master 'Abd al-Wahab, Nagma, in 1269 H./1852-53 A.D.; richly illuminated with frontispiece, title- headings and marginal decoration. In the borders, praises of the chapters (suras) of the Qur'an; interlinear Persian translation. Bound in superb lacquer work by the master Lutf 'Ali of Shiraz in 1269 H./1852-53; inside the cover, a bird perched on a rose bush. 37 x 24.5 cm. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 143.

102. Manuscript, Qur'an, Shiraz, 1845-1858 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Li­ brary.

40 Copied in superb Naskh script by the master Wisal Mirza Kutchik in 1260 H./1844-45 A.D. With illuminated full-page frontispiece, title, and chapter-headings, and interlinear translation by Mahmud with the tip of the fingernail, by the painter Dervish 'Ali Akbar in Farhang. These artists are both Wisal's sons. The binding is in lacquer painted with a naturalistic bouquet of flowers; inside, a field with vines and birds and a central medallion containing a hand which holds two sunbul branches, by the painter Lutf 'Ali Suratgar, in 1274 H./1857-58 A.D. 37.5 x 24.5 cm. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 144.

103. Fingernail Drawings, 1850 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Album of embossed drawings and calligraphic specimens worked with the tip of the fingernail, by the painter Dervish 'Ali Akbar in 1267 H./1850 A.D. for Nasir al-Dln Shah. Lacquer binding. 30 x 20 cm.

104. Manuscript, Qur'an, Shiraz, i860 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Copied in beautiful Naskh script by 'Ali Riza Partaw, in 1277 H./ i860 A.D. Decorated frontispiece containing the index of the Suras, title and chapter-headings, in gold, red, and blue, by the illuminator 'Abd al-Wahab of Shiraz. Contemporary binding in lacquer work, a bouquet of flowers framed in an illuminated border. 37.5x24.5 cm. Fig. 43. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 145.

105. Bookbinding, Shiraz 1873-74 A.D. Teheran, Gulistan Library. Lacquered; delightful flowering shrubs around a central medallion with nightingale framed in cartouches; inside, a bouquet of flowers. By Fathallah of Shiraz in 1290 H./1873-74 A.D. 21 x 33.5 cm. EXHIBITED: Teheran, Qur'an Exhibition, 1949; Cat. No. 147.

4l

PLATES

Fig. 1 (No. 2)

Fig. 2 (No. 4) Fig. 5 (No. 11) Fig. 6 (No. 15)

Fig. 7 (No. 16) Fig. 9 (No. 18)

Fig. 10 (No. 19) Fig. 11 (No. 20) Fig. 12 (No. 24)

Fig. 13 (No. 27) Fig. 14 (No. 30)

Fig. 15 (No. 33) Fig. 16 (No. 34)

Fig. 17 (No. 35) Fig. 18 (No. 36)

Fig. 19 (No. 38) Fig. 20 (No. 40)

Fig. 21 (No. 41) Fig. 22 (No. 43) Fig. 23 (No. 48) Fig. 24 (No. 52) Fig. 25 (No. 53) Fig. 26 (No. 56)

Fig. 27 (No. 57) Fig. 28 (No. 58)

Fig. 29 (No. 60) idr^mm

Fig. 30 (No. 61)

Fig. 31 (No. 61)

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Fig. 33 (No. 63) -^i^«itWM.!iirTErirprc^i^«gn5

Fig. 34 (No. 69) Fig. 34 (No. 69) Fig. 35 (No. 69)

Fig. 35a (No. 87) ,;*** -¥ At '"< *: «' 'J

Fig. 36 (No. 72)

Fig. 37 (No. 82) Fig. 38 (No. 84)

Fig. 39 (No. 88) Fig. 40 (No. 92)

Fig. 41 (No. 92) Fig. 42 (No. 93)

Fig. 42a (No. 91) Fig. 43 (No. 104)