Wadh.Minasian 38 (The Ferdowsi Library, Wadham College, University of Oxford)

Decoration

Folios 1b and 2a form decorated, symmetric opening pages of the copy, each containing a headpiece with two cartouches. The text sits on a cream-colored background, flanked on the left and right margins by delicate, vertical gold floral scrolls. Directly above the text block is a prominent decorative header, comprising a central arch, featuring a scalloped, dome-like ogival medallion filled with a deep lapis lazuli blue background and gold arabesque lines; surrounded by a dense field of gold leaf intertwined with delicate blue, white, and orange floral buds (Islimi or vine patterns). The very top of the headpiece features pointed, flame-like gold crests (shurfa) that project upwards into the blank margin of the paper. Directly above and below the main text block are two matching horizontal rectangular cartouches, featuring a solid gold background framed by dark blue and orange lobed cornerpieces. Running down the vertical margins, the wide main border employs a vibrant reciprocal rhythm of interlocking, lobed cloud-bands whose undulating contours seamlessly alternate between deep lapis lazuli blue and a gleaming gilt field. This puzzle-like structure creates a dynamic sense of movement down the page, where each contrasting background shifts the colour palette of the internal decoration; while the blue fields are filled with elegant white lead arabesque motifs (Islimi) whose graceful spirals are punctuated by five small buds in minium, the gilt cartouches feature a symmetrical arrangement of two five-petaled rosette flowers—one rendered in a warm orange and the other in a delicate white lead—accented by ultra-fine blue tendrils. By combining this precise geometric containment with the fluid, swirling movement of classical Khatai and arabesque forms, the illuminator has ensured that no dead space remains, framing the sacred text with an exquisite sense of visual balance and harmony. A solid magenta/reddish-pink band acts as a strong visual frame, separating the central text area and headpiece from the wider outer border.

From folio 2b onwards, the manuscript transitions into a refined decorative programme where chapter headings are highlighted by rubricated titles enclosed within lobed, gilt-layered cartouches and flanked by lapis lazuli blue cornerpieces. Within the main body of the text, the script is structurally separated by delicate interlinear gilt lining, with individual verses elegantly punctuated by small gilt dots. The entire text block is framed by a crisp quadruple ruling executed in black and cinnabar—the latter defining the outermost boundary—while the space between the first two inner rulings is filled with a solid band of gilt. Finally, the layout of the leaves is completed by a double decorative black frame that runs consistently along the outer margins of all subsequent pages.