#ManuscriptMonday :

#ManuscriptMonday :

“Solomon takes advice from the animals”

from partial copy of Lights of Canopus (Anvar-i Suhayli) by Husayn Va`izi Kashifi (d. 1504-5), painting inscribed to Dhanu; Agra, Mughal India, c. 1595-1600.

Detached folio, ink, colours & gold on paper, Persian text in nasta`liq script with painting on recto.

Chester Beatty In 04.74

“Solomon was known for his great wisdom, and for his ability to speak with all creatures. One day, he had the opportunity to drink the water of life, and to live forever. Hesitating, he decided first to take advice from the animals and birds. They all gathered at his court, and discussed the great decision. The heron advised the king not to choose immortality. There was only enough water for one person, the bird said, so if Solomon were to drink it, then he would outlive everyone he loved.

This folio is from a copy of a highly-regarded Persian text, written by Husayn Va`izi Kashifi (d.1504-05), a preacher and scholar at the Timurid court in Herat (modern Afghanistan): <Lights of Canopus (Anvar-i Suhayli), a reworking of the animal fables Kalila and Dimna (Kalila wa Dimna)>. His patron was Amir Shaykh Suhayli, whose last name is punningly inserted into the new title. Writing in a sophisticated court style, Kashifi composed an updated version of these lively animal fables, which have a long transmission history going back to Persian, Arabic and Sanskrit texts. This manuscript was made in Mughal India, and features 96 paintings (mounted separately).”