Zuhuri, Khwan-i Khalil ('Table of the Friend of God'), Deccan probably Bijapur, dated 1080 AH/1669-70 AD

Estimate

15,000 - 20,000 GBP

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Description

Ink on Paper

Persian manuscript on different coloured pages, 26 leaves, 10 lines to the page, written diagonally in Nasta'liq script in black ink within cloud bands against a gold ground text box, margins ruled in gold, contemporary light brown morocco binding with dyed leather-inlaid central floral medallions, with fitted box

Catalogue Note

inscriptions

The four lines of slanting text on the opening page is the beginning of the preface for Gulzar-e Ibrahim also by Zuhuri. For his biography, see, Jan Rypka, History of Iranian Literature, Dordrecht-Holand, 1968, pp. 724-5.

The present work represents one of the most revealing insights into life at the Deccani court of Bijapur, under one of the greatest patrons of the arts, Ibrahim 'Adil Shah II (r.1579-1621). For the court tastes and achievements of Ibrahim 'Adil Shah II, see Zebrowski 1983, pp.67-121. The content of the manuscript reflects the wave of Iranian artists and writers (including Zuhuri himself) who migrated to the wealthy Deccani courts in search of new sources of patronage. Having established himself at court, Zuhuri composed his Se Nathr ('Three Essays') for Ibrahim 'Adil Shah II, the present work of which is the third. As well as dwelling on the achievements of the six most exceptional members at court, the work praises the ruler for his skills as a patron, artist, calligrapher and musician.