Artwork
From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 42 from the Kitab-i Nauras (Book of Nine Essences) of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur (r. 1580–1627); verso: From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 36 from the Kitab-i Nauras of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II
From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 42 from the Kitab-i Nauras (Book of Nine Essences) of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur (r. 1580–1627); verso: From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 36 from the Kitab-i Nauras of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Khalilullah Butshikan. It dates from 1618 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This 1618 painting is a page from the Kitab-i Nauras, a poetic and musical manuscript attributed to Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur.
About this work
Overview
This 1618 painting is a page from the Kitab-i Nauras, a poetic and musical manuscript attributed to Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur. Created by Khalilullah Butshikan, it is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The work contains excerpts from Dohras (Songs) 40 and 42 on the recto, and Dohras 40 and 36 on the verso, showcasing its religious and literary significance within the Sultan's 'Book of Nine Essences'.
Technique & Style
Characterized by a warm, earthy-toned background, the page features black ink text with selective red highlighting. Intricate floral and geometric patterns adorn the central rectangle, reflecting refined aesthetic sensibilities.
History & Provenance
Commissioned during Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II's reign (1580-1627), the painting was executed in 1618 by Khalilullah Butshikan. Its provenance prior to entering The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.
Artist & collection
From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 42 from the Kitab-i Nauras (Book of Nine Essences) of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur (r. 1580–1627) (recto)
From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 42 from the Kitab-i Nauras (Book of Nine Essences) of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur (r. 1580–1627); verso: From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 36 from the Kitab-i Nauras of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II
From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 36 from the Kitab-i Nauras of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II (verso)
From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 42 from the Kitab-i Nauras (Book of Nine Essences) of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur (r. 1580–1627) (recto)
From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 36 from the Kitab-i Nauras of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II (verso)
Text of Rustam and Suhrab, from the Shah-nama of Firdausi (Persian, c. 934–1020) (verso)
Text of Rustam and Suhrab, from the Shah-nama of Firdausi (Persian, c. 934–1020) (recto)
Text of Rustam and Suhrab, from the Shah-nama of Firdausi (Persian, c. 934–1020) (recto)
Page from the Panj Ganj (Five Treasures) of Abd al-Rahman Jami (Persian, 1414–1492), with two Persian masnavis (narrative poems): Yusuf va Zulaykha (Joseph and Zulaykha) and Subhat al-abrar (Rosary of the Righteous)
Text of Rustam and Suhrab, from the Shah-nama of Firdausi (Persian, c. 934–1020) (verso)
Illuminated page (verso), from a Panj Ganj (Five Treasures) of Abd al- Rahman Jami (Persian, 1414–1492) with two Persian masnavis: Yusuf va Zulaykha (Joseph and Zulaykha) and Khirad-nama-i Iskandari (Alexander’s Book of Wisdom)