The Illuminated Border of Animals, double page from a copy of the Gulistan of Sa'di Safavid dynasty (1501–1722), 16th century

This double page from a copy of the Gulistan of Sa’di was likely made in Persia or India. Its rich colors are thanks to pigments derived from minerals and plants, applied by hand to paper. The text panels are framed by an ‘illuminated border of animals’. Zoom in to notice the incredible delicacy of this border. The unknown artist would have used brushes made of fine hairs to achieve such precision, working patiently to build up layers of color and detail. Notice the gold leaf that brings a luxurious shimmer to the foliage and the animals’ fur. These creatures - lions, birds, and dragons - are not just decorative. They evoke the fables and moral lessons contained within the text. The intense labor and precious materials involved in creating such a manuscript speaks to the patron’s wealth and the high value placed on knowledge and beauty. The manuscript tradition was a painstaking process involving various artisans each specialized in calligraphy, illumination, and binding. Recognizing the time, skill, and materials involved challenges a hierarchy that places painting above these other art forms.