Nasihat reto

Dimensions of Written Surface: Recto: 13.8 (w) x 24.7 (h) cm Dimensions of Written Surface: Verso: 14 (w) x 25 (h) cm Script: nasta'liq This fragment includes an excerpt from Sa'di's (d. 691/1292) Bustan (The Fruit Orchard), in which he offers advice (nasihat) to a ruler. The author counsels a king not to worry about what he does not have, because all things come to an end. He also notes that good deeds matter, as only a man's reputation and memory remain. Sa'di's text continues on the fragment's verso (1-86-154.140 V), as evidenced by the similar subject matter and the continuation of the catchwords (makun takiyah) in the lower left corner of the recto. The calligraphic fragment is executed in black nasta'liq script in horizontal and diagonal lines on a beige folio decorated with polygonal motifs highlighted in gold. Various text panels are framed by simple borders, creating a complex web of verses in a quilt-like pattern. The text panel is framed by several borders and pasted to blue paper decorated with flower and medallion motifs painted in gold. The folio's layout and style are typical of works produced in Safavid Persia (Iran) during the 16th century. The number 24 appears in