MAJNUN AT THE KAABA, SAFAVID PERSIA, FIRST QUARTER 16TH CENTURY
An illustrated folio from a Khamsa of Nizami, opaque pigments heightened with gold on paper, Majnun opens the door of the Kaaba surrounded by a crowd, four columns of text in nastaliq script above an below within gold rules, the text to the reverse laid out in rectangular text panels. 34 by 22 cm.
CATALOGUE NOTE
After being banned from seeing his childhood love Layla, Qays ibn al-Mulawwah’s obsessiveness drives him mad and makes him run away into the wilderness. His tribe gives him the epithet of Majnun (crazy).
The scene of our jewel-like illustrated folio depicts Majnun’s father’s attempt to cure him, by taking him on pilgrimage to Mecca, to seek God's help in freeing him. However, Majnun strikes the Kaaba and cries and demands to be allowed to love. He continues to wander in the wilderness, chanting poems about Layla’s love and beauty.
MAJNUN AT THE KAABA, SAFAVID PERSIA, FIRST QUARTER 16TH CENTURY
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