Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) by Nizami (d.1209); verso: text

Detached folio from a dispersed copy of Khamsa (Quintet) by Nizami; Persian in black nasta'liq script; recto: couplets from chapter eight: In considering of good omen from the Khusraw u Shirin; verso: couplets from Iskandarnama, couplets from chapter nine: In considering proper advice from the Makhzan al-asrar, and couplets from Khusraw u Shirin; two columns, fourteen lines of text, headings in gold, red, and blue. Border: The text is set in gold, blue, and black rulings with a turquoise floral scroll inner frame and an outer frame of gold floral scroll on blue paper with floral geometric motifs and marginal medallions. National Museum of Asian Art Collection