Two Works of Sa`di: The Rose Garden (Gulistan) and The Orchard (Bustan)

Description Walters manuscript W.619 is an illuminated manuscript containing 2 works by Sa"di (died 691 AH/AD 1292): the Gulistan (Rose garden) and the Bustan (Orchard). It was copied in 980 AH/AD 1572 by Muhammad Riza al-Tabrizi in Iran. The text of the Gulistan appears in the main area, while that of the Bustan is inscribed obliquely around the main text area on three sides. Both texts are written in black and gold nasta"liq script. The margins are multi-colored, gold-sprinkled tinted or marbled paper. The original leather binding dates to the 10th century AH/AD 16th and has dentelle-style decorated boards and doublures with gold filigree work over a multi-colored ground of blue, green, red, and black.

Exhibitions

• Illuminated Manuscripts: Masterpieces in Miniature. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1984-1985.

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

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters