Persian Quatrains (Rubayi) and Calligraphic Exercises (recto)

c. 1509–59

Sultan Muhammad Khandan

Sultan Muhammad Khandan (Iranian, d. after 1550)

Islamic Art

Persian Quatrains (Rubayi) and Calligraphic Exercises (recto), c. 1509–59. Sultan Muhammad Khandan (Iranian, d. after 1550). Ink, gold, and opaque watercolor on paper; sheet: 27.4 x 20 cm (10 13/16 x 7 7/8 in.); text area: 18.7 x 10.9 cm (7 3/8 x 4 5/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Mehmed A. Simsar in memory of Dr. Mehmed A. Simsar 1983.1115.a

Original Source

Maker/Artist: Sultan Muhammad Khandan
Classification: Manuscript
Formatted Medium: ink, gold, and opaque watercolor on paper
Medium: ink, gold, opaque, watercolor, paper
Dimensions: Sheet: 27.4 x 20 cm (10 13/16 x 7 7/8 in.); Text area: 18.7 x 10.9 cm (7 3/8 x 4 5/16 in.)
Inscribed: Inscription: Al-faqīr Sulṭān Muḥammad Khandān Translation: The poor (one) Sulṭān Muḥammad Khandān Remark: Script: Thulth and Nasta'liq Inscription: [Persian quatrain] Translation: The hope is for your enemies to suffer a reversal of fortune;/ And both worlds (here and hereafter) to fall into your grasp./ Under your shadow you harbor compassion, so it is a marvel to behold:/ A shade lightening the world. Inscription: [Persian quatrain] Translation: To the chain of her tresses, O Lord!/ Fetter not one with a besotted heart!/ For in a trice, deploying her beauty,/ Her moonlike face can steal away a hundred besotted hearts.
Departments: Islamic Art
Accession Number: 1983.1115.a
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Mehmed A. Simsar in memory of Dr. Mehmed A. Simsar
Exhibitions: Arts of Iran (Islamic art rotation)
Rights Statement: CC0