Iskandar Entertains Kanifu
Date Mid-late 16th century
Period 1400-1600, 16th Century
Origin Iran, Shiraz
Medium Ink, Opaque watercolour, Gold on paper
Dimension 19.5 x 16 cm (7⁵/₈ x 6¹/₄ inches)
In this version of the scene Iskandar is depicted centrally sitting on his throne, rendered slightly larger in scale than the others to indicate his status. A tray with pomegranates is presented to him, while surrounding attendants celebrate and drink wine. They sit on the grass among flowers with a stream passing below. The scene is set against a pale mauve landscape implying rocks, with flowers, small tufts of grass and a gold sky. Four gold columns of script fill the upper and lower field of this painting, containing two lines of naskhi script outlined in white.
For examples of this scene from other manuscripts, see Brend, p.132, pl. 33; p. 144, pl. 53; p. 164, pl. 63; p. 222, pl. 90.
Stock no.: A4665
Date: Mid-late 16th century
Period: 1400-1600, 16th Century
Origin: Iran, Shiraz
Medium: Ink, Opaque watercolour, Gold on paper
Dimension: 19.5 x 16 cm (7⁵/₈ x 6¹/₄ inches)
Provenance: Private European Collection, last sold at French auction in 1984
Literature: Brend, B. Perspectives on Persian Painting: Illustrations to Amir Khusrau’s Khamsah, Routledge, London & New York, 2003
Sharma, S. Amir Khusraw: The Poet of Sultans and Sufis, Oneworld Publications, London, 2005.
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