Nezami Ganjavi
Alexander Feasting with the Emperor of China, Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami
Author
Nezami Ganjavi (Persian, 1141–1217)Persian, 1141–1217
CulturePersian
Titles
- Alexander Feasting with the Emperor of China, Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami
Datesecond quarter of 16th century
MediumInk, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
DimensionsSheet: 12 1/4 × 8 1/4 in. (31.1 × 21 cm)
Mount: 15 1/8 × 10 1/2 in. (38.4 × 26.7 cm)
Mount: 15 1/8 × 10 1/2 in. (38.4 × 26.7 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. E.M. Soudavar
Object number2013.102
Not on view
Explore Further
Department
Art of the Islamic WorldsObject Type
in this illustration from an Iskandarnama, or Book of Alexander, written by Nizami Ganjavi (1141–1217), a prolific 12th-century Persian poet
of romantic epics. Nizami weaves Alexander the Great’s life and exploits into an amalgamation of Islamic myths and Greek romances. Here,
Alexander is clad in the attire of the Safavid shahs, creating an explicit association between the Safavid rulers and Alexander’s lineage
and power.
Provenance Research Ongoing
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
Fahri of Bursa
late 16th century
Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
2017.490
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.16
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.2
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.8
late 8th–early 9th century
Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on parchment
2017.430
Isma'il Jalayir
Second half of 19th century
Ink, opaque watercolors, and gold on paper
2009.1143
Ahmad-e Neyrizi
AH 1134 / 1721-22
Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; gold-colored pigments, metallic particles, and lacquer on pasteboard bookbinding
2012.470
Mohammed Esfahani
AH 1272 / AD 1856
Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
2014.1122