Pages of Calligraphy from a Sharafnama (Book of Honour) of Nizami of Ganja

Art Historical Context

These exquisite pages of calligraphy hail from a *Sharafnama* (Book of Honour), aegyric poem by the renowned 12th-century Persian poetizami of Ganja, celebrating the virtues of a noble patron. Crafted around 1620–30 during the Safavid era in Iran, this manuscript reflects the pinnacle of Islamic literary and artistic traditions. Nizami's poetry, known for its lyrical depth and moral insights, was a cornerstone of Persian culture, often copied and illuminated in luxurious codices like this one to honor rulers and scholars. The medium—ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper—showcases masterful calligraphic techniques, likely in nasta'liq script, prized for its fluid elegance in Persian manuscripts. Gold accents and vibrant watercolors elevate the text, transforming words into visual poetry, a hallmark of Islamic art where calligraphy held sacred status as the noblest form. Measuring about 12 by 7.5 inches, these folios from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art collection highlight the codex format's role in preserving epic narratives amid a world without printed books. A gift to the museum in 1986, these pages invite visitors to appreciate how Safavid artisans blended devotion to literature with opulent design, bridging 12th-century verse with 17th-century splendor.