Sadi2

Script: nasta'liq These calligraphic fragments are the first seven pages of Sa'di's Bustan (The Fruit Garden or The Orchard). The order of the first seven pages of this work all belonging to the same manuscript goes as follows: Page 1: 1-04-713.19.26, Page 2: 1-04-713.19.15, Page 3: 1-04-713.19.14, Page 4: 1-04-713.19.12, Page 5: 1-04-713.19.13, Page 6: 1-04-713.19.11, Page 7: 1-04-713.19.25 Page 2: The first few pages of text provide a praise of God. On this page, the last two lines read: Grace and Liberality Diffusing, and Work Executing / Because He (God) is the Possessor of Creation and Knower of Secrets / Grandeur and Pride are proper for Him, / Whose kingdom is ancient, and nature independent. As in this case, the second page of a Persian poetical text is easily recognizable, as its main text usually is decorated by cloud band motifs and decorative illumination. This follows the pattern established by the first page of text, which is provided with an ornamental panel at the top (sarloh) and also decorated with illumination (see 1-04-713.19.26). Both initial pages also have a central gutter dividing the verses of poetry painted in blue and decorated with interlacing orange, go