Unknown - Folio from C16th Anthology of Poetry - 1575

An illuminated Persian poetic manuscript page, on paper, with a highly decorative Mughal panel at its head. This is a style of art that flourished in India from the 16th to 18th centuries and is a blend of Persian, Indian and European artistic tradition.

The folio from an incomplete copy of Shahi Subzuwari's Diwan is written in fine, elegant Nasta'liq, and begins in the traditional way calling out the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The rest of the text is a complex Persian prose, most likely a preface or introduction to a larger work, discussing the power of language, poetry and the craft of writing using rich metaphors. Frame lines in gold and dark blue surround the formal section. Fine red marks can be seeing the main text. These are likely to be of similar function to the diacriticals of the Qur'an to assist the reader with emphasis in the reading. The condition is very good.

The inscription on the rear, written in Persian, translates as, 'O friend, with a friend, you repair your knowledge. When Ahmed bows his head, he is a friend. (Walla) Best of friends.

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