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
Unknown Artist
c. 1556–65
Medium
opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper
Dimensions
image: 21.3 × 15.3 cm · sheet: 29.8 × 17.3 cm
Classification
Manuscript
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1947.501.a
About this artwork
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.