Closing Chapter and Colophon (recto), folio 174 from a Manuscript of Yusuf va Zulaykha by Jami 1502 - 1503

Curator: This is folio 174, the Closing Chapter and Colophon from a manuscript of Yusuf va Zulaykha by Jami, calligraphed by Shah Mahmud. What are your first thoughts? Editor: The geometric division of space within the frame is striking. The floral motifs soften what could be a very rigid structure. Curator: Indeed. The text panels, divided by those intersecting bands, contain the scribe's signature and closing remarks. Note the way the calligraphy interacts with the ornamentation; the abstract versus the organic. Editor: And how the illumination, both the background and that surrounding the text block, creates a feeling of preciousness, emphasizing the cultural value of this manuscript as a whole. Curator: The symbolism here points to the manuscript tradition's role in preserving and transmitting stories. Editor: A tradition upheld by scribes like Shah Mahmud, who shaped not just the words but also their visual impact. This folio represents more than just a conclusion; it's a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.