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Collection of Poems (Divan)
(Manuscripts and Rare Books, Islamic World , Islamic Manuscripts)
Walters manuscript W.650 is an illuminated and illustrated Mughal copy of a collection of poems (divan) by the eminent poet and hagiographer of Islamic India, Hasan Dihlavi (died ca. 729 AH/AD 1328). It was written in Nasta'liq script by 'Abd Allah Mushkin Qalam (Amber-Scented Pen) in Allahabad in 1011 AH/AD 1602, according to the colophon on fol. 187a. A celebrated royal calligrapher, Abd Allah Mushkin Qalam worked in Allahabad for Prince Salim, who later became the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The manuscript opens with a double-page illuminated incipit (fols. 2b-3a) and is illustrated with 14 paintings, including a portrait of the calligrapher himself (fol. 187a). The lacquer binding has intricate all-over illumination in which the main element is a pattern of gold strapwork with floral motifs, attributable to the 13th century AH/AD 19th.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Exhibitions
| 2009 | The Saint John's Bible: A Modern Vision through Medieval Methods. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. |
| 1998 | Mything Persons: Historic Figures in Legends of East and West. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
| 1987-1988 | Elephants. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
| 1988 | Bindings from the Islamic World. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
| 1984-1985 | Illuminated Manuscripts: Masterpieces in Miniature. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
| 1982 | The Art of the Book in India. British Library, London. |
| 1978-1979 | The Grand Mogul: Imperial Painting in India, 1600-1900. The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown; The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Boston; Asia House Gallery, New York. |
Conservation
| Date | Description | Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| 12/6/1981 | Treatment | stabilized |
Geographies
India, Allahabad (Place of Origin)
Measurements
Folio H: 12 3/8 x W: 8 1/16 in. (31.5 x 20.5 cm); H in cradle: 12 1/2 x W: 14 3/4 x D: 5 1/2 in. (31.8 x 37.5 x 14 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
W.650
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Related Objects
A Garden Scene with a Man (Probably the Poet Himself) Kissing the Prince's Feet
Majnun in the Wilderness Being Counseled by His Father to Abandon His Love for Laylá and Return Home
Portrait of the Scribe Mir 'Abd Allah Katib in the Company of a Youth Burnishing Paper
