Collection of Poems (masnavi)

Description Walters manuscript W.626 is an illustrated and illuminated copy of the collection of poems, known as Masnavi-i ma'navi, of Jalal al-Din Rumi (died 672 AH/AD 1273). According to the colophon (fol. 314b), the text, written in black Nasta'liq script, was completed in India in 1073 AH/AD 1663. Each section of the work is introduced by a double-page illuminated incipit containing a preface in prose, followed by two illustrations and an illuminated incipit page for the masnavi. In total, 50 paintings illustrate the text. The green leather binding is modern.

Exhibitions

• Elephants. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1987-1988.

Provenance Ibrahim [date and mode of acquisition unknown] [round seal impression, Ibrahim (...) on front flyleaf iia]; Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters