History of Nigaristan

Description Exhibitions Provenance Credit

Description Walters manuscript W.598 is an illuminated and illustrated Safavid copy of the History of Nigaristan (Iran), known as Kitab-i Nigaristan or Tarikh-i Nigaristan by Ahmad Ghaffari (died 975 AH/AD 1567-1568). The colophon indicates that it was completed on 5 Shawwal 976 AH/AD 1569. The manuscript opens with a double-page illuminated frontispiece, and there are 8 paintings illustrating the text in a style that has been associated with the school of painting at Shiraz. The dark brown/black leather binding, which is contemporary with the manuscript, has a large central panel with oval and pendants. The border is comprised of cartouches alternating with roundels. All are gold-brushed and decorated with floral and cloud motifs.

Exhibitions

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

Provenance Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters

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Creator

Ahmad ibn Muhammad Ghaffari (Author)

Period

5 Shawwal 976 AH/AD 1569 (Safavid)

Medium

ink and pigments on laid paper covered with dark brown/black leather with gold
(Manuscripts & Rare Books)

Accession Number

W.598

Measurements

Folio H: 12 3/16 x W: 7 1/16 in. (31 x 18 cm)

Geography

Iran (Place of Origin)

Location Within Museum

Not On View