Page of Calligraphy from a Sharafnama (Book of Honour) of Nizami of Ganja 1595 - 1655

This page of calligraphy from a *Sharafnama* (Book of Honour) of Nizami of Ganja, dating from 1595 to 1655, showcases the artistry of Persian manuscript illumination. The page is decorated with a vibrant, ornate border, featuring a central motif in blue, gold, and red. This intricate design reflects the rich aesthetic traditions of Safavid-era Persia. The text itself, written in elegant Nasta'liq script, is a verse from the *Sharafnama*, a celebrated epic poem by Nizami of Ganja, who lived from 1141 to 1209. This exquisite manuscript, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the sophisticated art of calligraphy and bookmaking during a pivotal period in Persian history.