Collection Online as of March 26, 2023
Yusuf and Zulaykha (recto); Illustration and Text (Persian Verses) in an Anthology with some verses from Haft Awrang (Seven Thrones) of Jami; The Fifth Throne
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Iran, Shiraz or Mashhad, Safavid period
(1501-1722)
Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper
Sheet: 29.8 x 17.3 cm (11 3/4 x 6 13/16 in.); Image: 21.3 x 15.3 cm (8 3/8 x 6 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1947.501.a
Location
not on view
Description
The Khamsa, a suite of five poems (khamsa is Arabic for five) written in the twelfth century, was, like the earlier Shahnama, concerned with the history and legends of pre-Islamic Iran. But Nizami's interest was with love rather than war. In this, the second of the poems, he tells the story of famous star-crossed lovers.