Layli and Majnun at School, from a manuscript of the Quintet (Khamseh) by Nizami (d. 1209), Iran, Shiraz, 1527, Opaque watercolour, gold, ink, paper AKM270

Layli and Majnun at School, from a manuscript of the Quintet (Khamseh) by Nizami (d. 1209), Iran, Shiraz, 1527, Opaque watercolour, gold, ink, paper AKM270

This intimate scene depicts the doomed lovers Layli and Majnun, as Qais--later called 'the mad one' (Persian, majnun) due to his extravagant passion--meets Layli for the first time in their shared schoolroom. The highly detailed painting depicts activities typical of the sixteenth-century schoolyard, where the students practice their writing skills and study books; one poor scholar is being punished by a schoolmaster. This volume's dark leather gilded binding is original, its spine adorned with verses praising the poet, Nizami.

Nizami (d. 1209)

Aga Khan Museum

1527

Aga Khan Museum

Aga Khan Museum

Dimensions: 33.5 cm x 21.3 cm x 5.7 cm

Materials: Opaque watercolour, gold, ink, paper

Persian

AKM270

Iran, Shiraz