From the Farhang-i Jahangiri (Persian-language Dictionary) compiled by Mir Jamal al-Din Husayn Inju of Shiraz (Persian, d. 1626)

The calligraphy is executed in a precise, black ink, typical of Persian manuscript tradition, with uniform spacing that maximizes legibility. The surrounding border combines painted and gilded elements: blue pigments form a patterned field, over which gold leaf or paint creates intricate floral designs. Red ink is used sparingly to mark specific letters, a common practice for emphasis in Persian texts.

Compiled in the early 17th century under the patronage of Mir Jamal al‑Din Husayn Inju, the dictionary reflects the scholarly activity of Safavid Shiraz. The manuscript’s survival suggests it was valued as a reference work and possibly circulated among literate elites of the period.

During the Safavid era, Persian dictionaries were essential tools for poets, scholars, and administrators. The integration of elaborate illumination with functional text exemplifies the period’s aesthetic, where even utilitarian books received artistic treatment to reflect cultural prestige.

Pages such as this illustrate the convergence of literary scholarship and visual art in early modern Iran, informing contemporary understandings of Persian manuscript production. Their decorative schemes continue to influence modern interpretations of Safavid artistic conventions.