Collection of Poems (divan)

Description Walters manuscript W.630 is an illuminated copy of the collection of poems (divan) by Shams al-Din Muhammad Hafiz al-Shirazi (flourished 8th century AH/AD 14th). The manuscript is written in black Nasta'liq script by 'Ali Quli Barrak (?) and dated Sha'ban 966 AH/AD 1559. The text opens with an illuminated incipit with titlepiece inscribed: Divan-i Khvajah Hafiz Shirazi 'alayhi al-rahmah (fol. 1b). The text of the incipit and the facing page (fols. 1b-2a) has gilt interlinear decoration. The dark brown leather binding, which is original to the manuscript, is panel-stamped in relief with a central lobed medallion with pendants and an allover floral and vine decoration. The doublures of red-brown leather have a central medallion, pendants, and cornerpieces in leather filigree on a blue ground.

Exhibitions

• Poetry and Prayer: Islamic Manuscripts from the Walters Art Museum. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. 2010.

Provenance Sultan 'Uthman Khan (?) [date and mode of acquisition unknown] [erased waqf seal and statement signed by [Ibrahim] Hanif, inspector of awqaf and the shelfmarks 3815 and 3795 (crossed out) on fol. 1a]; Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters