R. 5 (University Library, Cambridge University)

Display:

E. G. Browne Collection

Summary of Contents: An Album, with one of the Persian lacquered covers missing, containing seven mediocre miniatures, six specimens of calligraphy (one modern imitation of Kúfic writing), and two ingenious specimens of "nail-work," all, apparently, quite modern. The cardboard leaves on which these are mounted measure 24.5 x 15.5 c. and are joined at their outer edges, so that they can be displayed in one row simultaneously, like a map. They are: (1) head and shoulders of a Persian lady, European style, labelled in English "this is painted on canvas"; (2) three-quarter length picture of a European lady, bearing a Persian inscription saying that it was drawn by an artist named Rafá'íl, and has been injured by fire; (3) a book, by Áqá Sádiq; (4) imitation Kúfic writing described as "Abú Sa'idí," bearing the seal of one Muḥammad Taqí ibn Muḥammad Báqir; (5) ta'líq writing by Mustaq 'Alí Sháh; (6) Persian woman playing the tár; (7) Persian woman with castanets, dancing; (8) and (9) two specimens of ta'líq writing by Mírzá Ghulám 'Alí; (10) and (11) two designs drawn with the nail by Prince 'Alí Akbar Mírzá, the first a youthful full-length figure holding a bouquet of flowers, the second a gazelle under a very ornate tree; (12) and (13) two more specimens of Mírzá Ghulám 'Alí's writing. Bought for £1 at a sale amongst other Persian articles.

Title: Album of miniature paintings, calligraphy specimens and "nail-work" designs, all apparently modern

Thirteen mounted leaves, joined at their outer edges so that they can be displayed in one row: seven miniatures (including European-style portraits, one by an artist named Rafá'íl, and genre scenes), six calligraphy specimens (imitation Kúfic and ta'líq, by Mustaq 'Alí Sháh and Mírzá Ghulám 'Alí among others), and two "nail-work" designs by Prince 'Alí Akbar Mírzá.

Language(s): Persian

Physical Description

Form: other

Support: Cardboard leaves (one of a pair of Persian lacquered covers missing)

Extent: 13 leaves

Dimensions (leaf): 24.5 × 15.5 cm.

Layout

Leaves joined at their outer edges for display in a single row.

Hand(s)

Modern calligraphy in imitation Kúfic and ta'líq by various modern calligraphers, by Mustaq 'Alí Sháh and Mírzá Ghulám 'Alí among others), and two "nail-work" designs by Prince 'Alí Akbar Mírzá.

History

Origin: n.d.

Provenance and Acquisition

Bought at a sale amongst other Persian articles.

Passed to Cambridge University Library in 1936 (the "Browne Bequest").

Record Sources

Summary, physical description and provenance copied from R. A. Nicholson: A descriptive catalogue of the Oriental MSS belonging to the late E.G. Browne. Cambridge, 1932.

Availability

Entry to read in the Library is permitted only on presentation of a valid reader's card for admissions procedures contact Cambridge University Library Admissions. Contact near_eastern@lib.cam.ac.uk for further information on the availability of this manuscript

Funding of Cataloguing

Cambridge University

Subjects

Miniature painting, Persian

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