Single leaf from al-Qazvīnī’s Aǧā’ib, a Jackal C16th

Illuminated leaf on paper of Persian provenance, to be dated at the 16^th century (early Safavid age).

Leaf size: mm. 200 x 135 ca.; text panel dimensions: mm. 175 x 115 approx. Text written in a pretty black-inked nastaᶜlīq calligraphy on an 18-line single column, framed by tiny polychrome fillets.

This leaf consists in a fragment taken from a manuscript of the major work of Zakarīyā’ al-Qazvīnī (AD 1203 – 1283) ‘The Marvels of Creatures and of the Strange Things Created’ (ar.: ‘Aǧā’ib al-Maḫlūqāt wa Ġarā’ib al-Mawǧūdāt). It shows a jackal while being observed by two hidden figures. Extremely fine miniature, with traces of use on the leaf, but still in very good condition.