Laurak and Chanda Rest on Their Journey to a Trysting Place, Leaf from a Chandayana Manuscript

Title

Laurak and Chanda Rest on Their Journey to a Trysting Place, Leaf from a Chandayana Manuscript

Date

early 16th century

Period

Sultanate Period

Geography

Possible place made: Mandu, Northern region, India

Medium

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Classification

Ornament

Dimensions

sheet: 10 x 7 11/16 in. (25.4 x 19.5 cm) image, recto: 7 3/8 x 5 1/2 in. (18.7 x 14.0 cm) image, verso: 7 3/8 x 5 3/8 in. (18.7 x 13.7 cm)

Inscriptions

The Arabic verses on the verso, which are known as "the exordium," belong to the beginning section of the Koran. Written in black nasta'liq with a vivid outline in gold that enhances the flowing movement of the letters, the verses can be translated as: In the name of Allah The Compassionate, the Merciful, Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Creation, The Compassionate, the Merciful, King of Judgment day, You alone we worship, and to You alone we pray for help. Guide us to the straight path The path of those whom You have favored, Not those wo have incurred Your wrath, Nor of those who have gone astray. The signature reads: The lowly scribe Muhammad Zahed Samarkandi/ may Allah forgive his defects/written in the city of/ Heydarabad in the year 1016 [A.D. 1607-8]. (Tr. Marjan Adib.) Illustrate text on reverse as figure.

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. Peter Findlay

Accession Number

78.198