Mushtari and Badr await execution before King Shapur, an illustration from a copy of the Mihr o Mushtari, Tabriz, Safavid Iran, circa 1520

MUSHTARI AND BADR AWAIT EXECUTION BEFORE KING SHAPUR
SAFAVID TABRIZ, CIRCA 1520
An illustration to the Mihr o Mushtari of Assar Tabrizi, gouache heightened with gold on paper, the bearded King Shapur sits before a fountain, the blindfolded Mushtari and Badr and an executioner brandishing a long sword before him, around him a number of servants in brightly coloured robes look on, behind them an architectural backdrop with windows that reveal swaying prunus blossoms, two columns with 3ll. of black nasta'liq above and below, within gold and black rules, mounted, glazed and framed

Miniature 5 x 3 7/8in. (12.8 x 9.8cm.); folio 8½ x 5in. (21.2 x 12.5cm.)