KHOSROW DISCOVERS SHIRIN BATHING

“KHOSROW DISCOVERS SHIRIN BATHING” 

XV century. Central Asian miniature school.

The miniature is executed for the poem “Khosrow and Shirin” from the “Khamsa” by Nezami Ganjavi.

Calligrapher: Ali ibn Iskandari al–Quhistani.

Artist: Sultan Ali al–Bavardi. 

This work is a facsimile copy of a miniature from the manuscript kept in the Topkapi Palace Museum Library in Turkiye.

According to the “Khosrow and Shirin” poem, Princess Shirin falls in love with a painted image of Khosrow and began her journey to find the beautiful young man. After spending fourteen days and nights on the road, she decided to take a rest and bathe in the cool river. Just at that moment, Prince Khosrow passes by the river and sees Shirin bathing.

Against the background of a dark river, Princess Shirin is depicted bathing and combing her long black hair. Alongside the river behind the trees Shirin’s raven horse Shabdiz is depicted. Next to the spring on the green meadow lies a princess costume – red and blue clothes, royal crown and boots.

At the background of a plain with green grassy tufts, the figure of Khosrow in red and turquoise clothes riding a bay horse is distinguished. Finger to mouth the prince looks in amazement at beautiful Shirin “sitting in the water like a lily”.

Against the background of the golden sky, a blooming pink tree and thick green crowns of cypresses are visible.

In the lower right part of the composition, gray-blue hills are depicted.

The events take place against the background of a dark green hill covered with light green tufts, as well as a golden sky, symbolizing a warm day.

At the top and bottom of the miniature, there is a text.

KP-697