Title: Binding of a Divan of Nava’i
Date: mid-16th century
Location: probably Herat
Materials: papier-mâché boards and flap, painted and varnished; leather doublures
Dimensions: 24.1 x 15.8cm (boards, each); 24.1 x 8.4cm (flap)
Accession Number: MSS 948
Other Notes:
This binding is attached to a copy of the Divan of Nava’i that was produced in Herat in the mid-16th century, and it appears to be contemporary with the manuscript.
The outer covers are decorated with fantastic landscapes populated by a variety of Sino-Islamic beasts. These include ducks flying in a cloud-streaked sky, fish swimming in pools, phoenixes (or simurghs), tigers attacking deer, qilins, jackals, and a dragon in combat with a phoenix. All the motifs were finely executed and outlined in gold on a dark-maroon ground, within narrow frames of floral scrollwork.
The doublures are of reddish-brown leather and have lobed medallions, pendants and corner-pieces of gilt leather filigree on blue and green grounds.
Bibliography:
N.D. Khalili, B.W. Robinson & T. Stanley, Lacquer of the Islamic Lands, The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, volume XXII, Part One, London 1996, cat.5, pp.26–7.
Zoom
Close
Create your own collection of artworks that you can print or save as a PDF. Please enter you email to enable feature.
Binding of a Divan of Nava’i | MSS 948
Has been added to your collection.
TIP:
You can now access and view your collection from the main menu at any time.
