Yusuf and Zulaykha of Jami 1498 - 1549

This page of calligraphy by Mir 'Ali al-Husaini is found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The artwork’s dimensions are H. 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm) W. 7 in. (17.8cm). The page is dominated by the contrast of gold and dark blue. An elaborate floral design in gold covers the blue background. The writing is framed in gold bands and divided into four rectangles, two on each side. The text is in dark ink. The whole piece reflects a world absorbed in pattern and order, which evokes a sense of calm. This visual structure is typical of Islamic manuscript illumination, where text and ornamentation are carefully balanced. The gold floral patterns are not merely decorative; they evoke a sense of paradise and cosmic harmony, reflecting deeper philosophical and spiritual ideas. The geometric organization reflects the cultural values of structure and order in Islamic art. The composition of this page functions not just as an aesthetic object, but as a gateway to cultural and philosophical understanding, a reflection of the artist's world, and a site for ongoing interpretation.