"Allusion to Sura 27:16", Folio from a Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite folio, titled *Allusion to Sura27:16*, comes a lavishly illuminated manuscript of Farid al-Din `Attar's *Mantiq al-Tayr* (Language of Birds), a 12th-century Sufi masterpiece. The poem recounts the birds' epic quest for the divine Simurgh, symbolizing the's journey toward spiritual enlightenment. Dated A. 892/148 CE, this page evokes 27:16, where King Solomon comprehends the language of birds blending mystical allegory with Islamic scripture in a tradition of Persian poetry that captivated Timurid-era audiences. Crafted by the skilled calligrapher Sultan 'Ali al-Mashhadi, the work exemplifies late 15th-century Persian manuscript illumination. Ink outlines precise nasta'liq script, while opaque watercolors and gold leaf create vibrant, otherworldly scenes on paper—measuring 15½ by 8 inches. These techniques, hallmarks of Herat's refined school, layer luminous colors and intricate gold detailing to evoke the ethereal realm of Sufi wisdom, making sacred texts accessible and visually transcendent. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art Department (acquired via the Fletcher Fund in 1963), this codex folio highlights the cultural pinnacle of Persianate arts, where literature, faith, and beauty intertwined to inspire contemplation and awe.