Binding and Text-Block for the Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds)

Author Farid al-Din `Attar Iranian

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 455

This is an elaborate example of the most common type of Safavid binding. Based on the Timurid-style binding, it contains a central medallion, quadrants, and a border of panels. The field pattern was created by stamping a mold on the surface of the cover made of leather and paper; first the upper half of the binding was stamped and then the mold was reversed to stamp on the lower half. The border pattern was also created by stamping. The doublures are decorated with delicate leather filigree work dividing compartments with orange, brown, blue, and green ground.

Binding and Text-Block for the Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds), Farid al-Din `Attar (Iranian, Nishapur ca. 1142–ca. 1220 Nishapur), Binding: Leather, gold, and color; carved, impressed, and gilded Text-block: Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper

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Binding and Text-Block for the Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds), Farid al-Din `Attar (Iranian, Nishapur ca. 1142–ca. 1220 Nishapur), Binding: Leather, gold, and color; carved, impressed, and gilded Text-block: Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper
Binding and Text-Block for the Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds), Farid al-Din `Attar (Iranian, Nishapur ca. 1142–ca. 1220 Nishapur), Binding: Leather, gold, and color; carved, impressed, and gilded Text-block: Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper
Binding and Text-Block for the Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds), Farid al-Din `Attar (Iranian, Nishapur ca. 1142–ca. 1220 Nishapur), Binding: Leather, gold, and color; carved, impressed, and gilded Text-block: Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper
Binding and Text-Block for the Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds), Farid al-Din `Attar (Iranian, Nishapur ca. 1142–ca. 1220 Nishapur), Binding: Leather, gold, and color; carved, impressed, and gilded Text-block: Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper
Binding and Text-Block for the Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds), Farid al-Din `Attar (Iranian, Nishapur ca. 1142–ca. 1220 Nishapur), Binding: Leather, gold, and color; carved, impressed, and gilded Text-block: Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper
Binding and Text-Block for the Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds), Farid al-Din `Attar (Iranian, Nishapur ca. 1142–ca. 1220 Nishapur), Binding: Leather, gold, and color; carved, impressed, and gilded Text-block: Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper

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