Manuscript of the Qabusnama (Mirror for Princes) by 'Unsur al-Ma'ali Kay Kavus, with lacquer binding
Persian
The manuscript opens with a fine illuminated heading. The text is copied in shikasta nasta`liq script in black ink, 14 lines to a page on very thin grayish paper. According to its colophon, the manuscript was copied in Rabi I 1281 H (August-September 1864) by Muhammad Hasan al-Sharif for Aqa Mirza 'Ali. The lacquer binding has on the outer cover a large diamond shaped medallion in the center, which harmonizes with the illumination in the manuscript. The inner cover is decorated with a rose branch over a yellowish ground.
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer over brass layer on pasteboard (covers) Ink, gold, and colors on paper (text)
Qajar period