Album of Persian and Indian Calligraphy and Paintings

Walters manuscript W.668 is an album (muraqqa') of Persian and Indian calligraphy and paintings, most probably compiled in the 13th century AH/AD 19th. The album contains 34 illustrations, 3 of which are attributed to the Mughal painter Abu al-Hasan (Nadir al-al-Zaman), 2 to Manuhar, and 1 each to Dawlat and Sadiqi. There are several portraits of rulers and courtiers, as well as scenes from historical manuscripts, such as Baburnamah and Gulistan by Sa'di. This album is also significant for the number of works by the artist Shayk Abbasi, who worked in the 11th century AH/AD 17th. The signed calligraphic pieces bear the names of 'Imad al-Hasani (died 1024 AH/AD 1615), 'Ali Riza-'i 'Abbasi, Mir 'Ali, and 'Abd al-Rashid al-Daylami (died 1081 AH/AD 1670-1671). The album was initially in an accordion format and was later made into a codex. The lacquer binding with central ovals and pendants decorated with flowers dates 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.

'Abduh Khudadad, 1189 AH/AD 1775 [mode of acquisition unknown] [seal impression: 'Abduh Khudadad, 1189 AH/AD 1775 on fol. 58a]; Farhad, 1234 AH/AD 1800 [mode of acquisition unknown] [seal impression: Farhad, 1234 AH/AD 1800 on a number of folios];
Muhammad al-Hasani [date and mode of acquisition unknown] [seal impression: Muhammad al-Hasani on fol. 28a]; Fath 'Ali [date and mode of acquisition unknown] [seal impression: Fath 'Ali on fol. 82b]; Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.