Folio 172 (text, recto and verso), from a manuscript of the Divan (Collection of Works) of Anvari

The recto and verso side of the folio features two columns of Persian text written in black ink and nasta’liq script. The recto side of the folio contains the second half of a qasida (a panegyric in praise of a king or nobleman) that praises Majduddin Abu’l-Hasan al-‘Imrani, who most likely introduced Anvari to Sultan Sanjar. This is followed by a poem that corresponds to a painting (1960.117.173) on gardening: It’s the day for the garden, for cheer and for joy; It’s the day for the markey of basil and rose. The dust is all mixed with amber and musk; The skirt of the zephyr spreads fragrance and scents. The folio belongs to an illustrated copy of the Divan of Anvari commissioned by the Mughal emperor Akbar (r. 1556-1605) in 1588 and in Lahore. The poet Anvari (1126-1189) is considered one of the greatest figures in Persian literature. His panegyric in honor of the Seljuq sultan, Ahmad Sanjar (r. 1118-1157) earned him royal favor and the patronage of two of Sanjar’s successors. Anvari’s poems were collected in a Divan, which contains eulogies, satire, panegyrics, and other forms of poetry and prose.