Bidspirit auction | A FRAMED ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT FRONTISPIECE

A FRAMED ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT FRONTISPIECE IN THE SAFAVID STYLE. - This framed work is an example of traditional Islamic illumination (tazhib), commonly utilised as a manuscript frontispiece. The composition is centred on an elongated, lobed medallion set against a gold ground, decorated with polychrome floral and foliate arabesques. This central element is surrounded by a deep ultramarine blue field featuring scrolling vines, known as islimi, interspersed with floral sprays and small stylised birds. Four lobed cornerpieces on gold grounds repeat the decorative themes of the central medallion. The main illuminated panel is enclosed by narrow decorative borders, including a red band with white dotting and a dark blue border containing continuous foliate scrolls. The piece is executed using opaque pigments and gold on a paper substrate. It is mounted on a wide, light blue card embellished with stylised floral finials and sprays that radiate from the inner rectangular frame. Approximately 31.5 x 22.5cm