What is the Baysunghur Shahnameh?

The Baysunghur Shahnameh is a richly illustrated manuscript of the Shahnameh, which is the national epic of Greater Iran. This particular manuscript is considered a key masterpiece of Persian miniature art.

Who commissioned the creation of the Baysunghur Shahnameh and when was it completed?

The work on the Baysunghur Shahnameh was initiated in 1426 at the behest of the Timurid prince Baysunghur Mirza. The manuscript was finished on January 31, 1430.

Where is the Baysunghur Shahnameh currently located?

The Baysunghur Shahnameh is currently housed in the museum of The Golestan Palace, situated in Tehran, Iran.

What was the stated objective behind the preparation of the Baysunghur Shahnameh, according to its preface?

According to the preface, which is believed to have been written by Baysunghur himself, the manuscript was not a mere copy of an older text. Instead, it was compiled by comparing several existing manuscripts with the aim of modernizing the language and adding verses to the epic.

What script was used for the Baysunghur Shahnameh, and who was the scribe?

The Baysunghur Shahnameh is written in the Nasta'liq script, a calligraphic style commonly used for Persian and other languages influenced by Persian culture. The scribe responsible for this manuscript was Jafar Tabrizi.

What are the physical characteristics of the Baysunghur Shahnameh manuscript in terms of layout and content?

The manuscript features 31 lines of text per page, spans 346 folios, and includes 21 manuscript paintings executed in the Herat School style. The text is arranged in 6 columns, which was a traditional layout, contrasting with the 4-column layout seen in some contemporaneous 'modern' style Shahnamehs.

How is the Baysunghur Shahnameh regarded in comparison to other significant Shahnameh manuscripts?

Alongside the Demotte Shahnameh and the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp, the Baysunghur Shahnameh is recognized as one of the most important and famous manuscripts of the epic poem.

Has the Baysunghur Shahnameh received international recognition for its cultural significance?

Yes, the Baysunghur Shahnameh has been included in UNESCO's Memory of the World international register, acknowledging its status as globally important cultural heritage.

How does the number of illustrations in the Baysunghur Shahnameh compare to other Shahnameh manuscripts?

The Baysunghur Shahnameh contains 20 illustrations plus a double-page frontispiece, totaling 21 images. This is a relatively small number compared to other Shahnameh versions, which could feature over 100 illustrations.

What is the likely significance of the limited number of illustrations in the Baysunghur Shahnameh?

The inclusion of only a few illustrations, despite the epic's vast content, suggests that the passages accompanied by these miniatures were considered of relatively greater importance by the creators or commissioner of the manuscript.

Who is believed to have selected the subjects for the miniatures in the Baysunghur Shahnameh?

It is likely that Baysunghur himself chose the subjects for the 21 miniatures, as several of these selections are considered unusual and some relate to the theme of a prince's impatience to inherit power.

What does the frontispiece of the Baysunghur Shahnameh likely depict, and what is its significance?

The frontispiece of the Baysunghur Shahnameh is thought to be a portrait of Baysunghur himself, depicted in a hunting scene. This scene is notable because it does not illustrate a specific narrative from the Shahnameh, suggesting a departure from strict textual representation.

Are there other potential portraits of Baysunghur within the manuscript's miniatures?

Yes, there are other miniatures that may contain portraits of Baysunghur. However, these depictions are significant because they portray events that occurred before his birth or reign, possibly serving a symbolic or aspirational purpose.

What traditional motifs are present in the miniatures of the Baysunghur Shahnameh?

The illustrations largely adhere to traditional Shahnameh motifs, including six scenes depicting enthronements and nine scenes showing battles or killings. These are considered essential elements for a work to be classified as a 'book of kings'.

What are some examples of new or less common themes introduced in the miniatures of the Baysunghur Shahnameh?

The manuscript introduces some novel scenes not typically found in earlier Shahnameh versions. These include depictions of Luhrasp enthroned, the combat between Rustam and Barzu, Rustam and Isfandiyar shaking hands, Gulnar falling in love with Ardashir, and Yazdagird presenting Bahram Gur to Mundhir the Arab.

How did the page size and layout of the Baysunghur Shahnameh influence later manuscript production?

The Baysunghur Shahnameh features an unusually large page size for its time, approximately 38 x 26 cm, with several miniatures filling an entire page, and the frontispiece spanning two pages. These design choices, along with the script layout, indicated a direction that would be followed in subsequent royal commissions.

What does the gallery caption 'Isfandiyar kills Arjasp to rescue his sisters' refer to?

This caption refers to one of the manuscript paintings within the Baysunghur Shahnameh, illustrating the heroic deed of Isfandiyar defeating Arjasp to save his sisters.

What event is depicted in the gallery caption 'The meeting of Ardashir with Golnar'?

This caption describes a scene from the Baysunghur Shahnameh that portrays the encounter between Ardashir and Golnar, who is identified as Ardavan's slave-girl and treasurer.

What is the subject of the illustration described by the caption 'Faramarz son of Rostam mourns the death of his father and of his uncle Zavareh'?

This caption refers to a miniature painting in the Baysunghur Shahnameh that depicts Faramarz, the son of the legendary hero Rostam, grieving over the deaths of his father and his uncle, Zavareh.

What scene is represented by the gallery caption 'Zahhak bound on mount Damavand'?

This caption describes a miniature from the Baysunghur Shahnameh illustrating the legendary scene where the tyrannical king Zahhak is bound and imprisoned on Mount Damavand.

What does the gallery caption 'Baysunghur Shahnameh text' refer to?

This caption indicates an image displaying a sample of the text from the Baysunghur Shahnameh manuscript, showcasing its calligraphy and layout.

What is the Herat School style mentioned in relation to the Baysunghur Shahnameh?

The Herat School style refers to a distinct school of Persian miniature painting that flourished in the city of Herat during the Timurid period. The Baysunghur Shahnameh is considered one of the most important works associated with this artistic tradition.

What is the significance of the Baysunghur Shahnameh being listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World international register?

Inclusion in the UNESCO Memory of the World register signifies that the Baysunghur Shahnameh is recognized as a document of outstanding universal value and importance to global cultural heritage.

What does the 'See also' section typically provide in relation to the Baysunghur Shahnameh article?

The 'See also' section lists related topics, such as other entries in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in Iran, providing further avenues for exploration for the reader.

What is the purpose of the 'References' and 'Further reading' sections in the article?

The 'References' section lists the sources cited within the article, allowing readers to verify the information and consult the original works. The 'Further reading' section suggests additional scholarly materials for those who wish to delve deeper into the subject matter.

What information is typically found under the 'Authority control' section for the Baysunghur Shahnameh?

The 'Authority control' section provides links to databases like VIAF and the Library of Congress, which contain standardized identifiers for the manuscript, aiding in its identification and cataloging across different systems.

What does the 'stub' notice at the end of the article signify?

The 'stub' notice indicates that the article is a short, incomplete piece of writing about an Iranian book. It suggests that the article could be expanded with more information, inviting contributions from readers.

What was the role of Baysunghur Mirza in the creation of this manuscript?

Baysunghur Mirza, a Timurid prince, commissioned the creation of the Baysunghur Shahnameh, playing a crucial role in its initiation and likely in the selection of its artistic and textual features.

What is the significance of the Timurid dynasty in the context of the Baysunghur Shahnameh?

The Timurid dynasty, to which Baysunghur Mirza belonged, was a period of significant artistic and cultural patronage in Persia and Central Asia. The Baysunghur Shahnameh is a prime example of the artistic achievements of this era.

How did the Baysunghur Shahnameh contribute to the exploration of book design during the Timurid period?

The production of both an earlier, unillustrated Shahnameh and the illustrated Baysunghur Shahnameh by the same atelier pushed the boundaries of book design within the Timurid period, exploring new layouts and artistic integrations.

What does the mention of '6 columns' for the script layout signify?

The arrangement of the text in 6 columns is noted as a nod to tradition in manuscript design. This contrasts with other contemporary Shahnamehs that adopted a 4-column layout, suggesting a deliberate choice to maintain or revive older conventions.

What is the primary reason cited for the value of the Baysunghur Shahnameh?

The text states that the primary value of the Baysunghur Shahnameh lies not in its text, but in its artistry, particularly its miniatures and overall manuscript design.

What does the phrase 'national epic of Greater Iran' imply about the Shahnameh?

The phrase 'national epic of Greater Iran' suggests that the Shahnameh is a foundational literary work that chronicles the history, myths, and cultural identity of the Persian people and the regions historically associated with Greater Iran.

What is the relationship between the Baysunghur Shahnameh and the Herat School of painting?

The Baysunghur Shahnameh is considered one of the most important works identified with the Herat School, a significant style of Persian miniature painting that flourished during the Timurid era.

What is the significance of the manuscript paintings being described as 'revolutionary for the time'?

Describing the miniatures as 'revolutionary for the time' implies that they introduced new techniques, styles, or artistic approaches in Persian miniature painting that were innovative and influential during the 15th century.

What specific unusual themes related to inheritance are mentioned in connection with the miniatures?

Some miniatures in the Baysunghur Shahnameh are noted for depicting themes related to a prince's impatience to inherit power, a subject considered unusual for illustration in Shahnameh manuscripts.

How does the Baysunghur Shahnameh's frontispiece differ from typical narrative illustrations?

The frontispiece, believed to be a portrait of Baysunghur in a hunting scene, is distinct because it does not directly illustrate a specific narrative passage from the Shahnameh, unlike most other illustrations in manuscript traditions.

What does the inclusion of traditional motifs like enthronement and battle scenes signify for a Shahnameh manuscript?

The presence of standard motifs such as enthronement and battle scenes is crucial because these elements are considered fundamental to the identity of a 'book of kings,' ensuring the manuscript aligns with the core traditions of the Shahnameh.

What does the reference to 'iconography and style' in relation to new scenes imply?

It implies that while the *subjects* of some miniatures were new, the way they were visually represented (their iconography and artistic style) still drew upon established motifs and conventions found in earlier Shahnameh illustrations.

What impact did the large page size and full-page miniatures of the Baysunghur Shahnameh have?

The large page size and the use of full-page miniatures were significant design choices that influenced the direction of later royal manuscript commissions, setting a precedent for grander and more visually dominant illustrations.

What is the role of the Wikimedia Commons link provided in the article?

The Wikimedia Commons link provides access to additional media files, such as images, related to the Baysunghur Shahnameh, allowing users to view more visual content associated with the manuscript.

What specific information is provided in the citation by Mihan (2018) regarding the frontispiece?

The citation by Mihan (2018) notes that the frontispiece of the Baysunghur Shahnameh (GB) depicts a hunting scene with Prince Baysunghur, which is not tied to a specific narrative within the book, highlighting it as an example of illustrating current events or non-narrative scenes.

What does the reference to 'Titley, 54' likely indicate?

The reference 'Titley, 54' likely points to page 54 of a work by Norah M. Titley, which contains information relevant to the preceding statement, possibly about the preface or manuscript details.

What is the significance of the Baysunghur Shahnameh being mentioned alongside the Demotte Shahnameh and the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp?

Mentioning the Baysunghur Shahnameh alongside the Demotte Shahnameh and the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp highlights its status as one of the most important and famous illustrated manuscripts of the Shahnameh, placing it among other renowned examples of Persian manuscript art.

Baysunghur Shahnameh Wiki: The Baysunghur Shahnameh: A Timurid Masterpiece of Persian Illumination

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Introduction

A Monumental Epic

The Baysunghur Shahnameh is a significant illustrated manuscript of the Shahnameh, the revered national epic of Greater Iran. Commissioned by the Timurid prince Baysunghur Mirza, its creation began in 1426 and concluded on January 31, 1430. This manuscript is now housed in the Golestan Palace Museum in Tehran, Iran, and is widely regarded as a paramount achievement in the art of the Persian miniature.

Scholarly Endeavor

According to its preface, purportedly written by Baysunghur himself, this manuscript was not a mere copy but a meticulously compiled work. It involved comparing several older manuscripts to modernize the Persian language of the text and augment its verses. This scholarly approach resulted in one of the most voluminous versions of the Shahnameh, containing approximately 58,000 verses, surpassing the approximately 50,000 verses found in contemporary versions.

Artistic Significance

While the textual modifications are notable, the manuscript's primary value lies in its exceptional artistry. Executed in the elegant Nasta'liq script by the master calligrapher Jafar Tabrizi, it features 31 lines per page across 346 folios. It showcases 21 exquisite manuscript paintings in the style of the Herat School, making it a cornerstone work identified with this influential artistic movement.

Manuscript Specifications

Dimensions and Layout

The Baysunghur Shahnameh is characterized by its unusually large page size, measuring approximately 38 x 26 cm. This generous format allowed for detailed compositions and contributed to its status as a royal commission. The script is arranged in six columns, a deliberate adherence to traditional manuscript design, distinguishing it from the four-column layouts common in later "modern" styles.

Artistic School and Style

The manuscript is a key work associated with the Herat School of miniature painting. This school, flourishing under Timurid patronage, was known for its refined aesthetics, vibrant color palettes, and dynamic compositions. The Baysunghur Shahnameh exemplifies the high standards and innovative spirit of this period in Persian art.

Textual Modernization

The preparation of the text involved comparing multiple older manuscripts. The objective was not solely fidelity to Ferdowsi's original text but also a modernization of the language and the addition of verses. This resulted in a particularly extensive version of the epic, reflecting a conscious effort to create a definitive and accessible rendition for its time.

The Miniatures: Artistry and Narrative

Quality and Execution

The manuscript paintings, often referred to as miniatures, are executed with remarkable skill. They feature bright, luminous colors and precise, crisp lines, representing a significant advancement in artistic technique for the era. The limited number of illustrations—20 distinct scenes plus a double-page frontispiece—suggests a curated selection, emphasizing the importance of the chosen narrative moments.

Curated Selection

It is believed that Prince Baysunghur himself likely selected the subjects for the 21 miniatures. Several of these selections are considered unusual for Shahnameh illustrations, with some focusing on themes of princes eager for succession who ultimately never inherit the throne. The frontispiece, depicting a hunting scene, is thought to be a portrait of Baysunghur, integrating the patron into the epic's visual narrative.

While adhering to traditional Shahnameh motifs, the miniatures introduce novel iconography and narrative focus:

Traditional Motifs: The collection includes standard elements like 6 enthronement scenes and 9 battle or killing scenes, essential components of any "Book of Kings."
Unique Scenes: Several illustrations depict events not commonly featured in earlier manuscripts. These include depictions of Luhrasp enthroned, the combat between Rustam and Barzu, Rustam and Isfandiyar shaking hands, Gulnar falling in love with Ardashir, and Yazdagird entrusting Bahram Gur to Mundhir the Arab.
Iconography: Despite the new subjects, the style and visual language draw heavily from established traditional motifs, ensuring thematic continuity.

Visual Storytelling

The illustrations are intended to correspond with the accompanying text, visually interpreting key moments of the epic. The presence of these carefully chosen scenes, particularly those highlighting themes of succession and royal authority, underscores the manuscript's role not only as a literary work but also as a statement of Timurid power and cultural patronage.

Historical Context and Influence

The Timurid Era

Produced during the Timurid dynasty, a period renowned for its artistic and intellectual flourishing, the Baysunghur Shahnameh reflects the sophisticated patronage of princes like Baysunghur Mirza. This era saw significant advancements in manuscript production, calligraphy, and miniature painting, with Herat serving as a major cultural center.

Comparison with Other Masterpieces

The Baysunghur Shahnameh stands alongside other legendary illustrated Shahnameh manuscripts, such as the Great Mongol Shahnameh (also known as the Demotte Shahnameh) and the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp. These works represent distinct periods and styles within Persian manuscript illumination, each offering unique insights into the visual interpretation of Ferdowsi's epic.

Global Recognition

The profound cultural and historical importance of the Baysunghur Shahnameh has been recognized internationally. It is inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme, an international register dedicated to preserving globally significant cultural heritage. This designation highlights its status as a treasure of human history and artistic achievement.

Enduring Legacy

A Pinnacle of Artistry

The Baysunghur Shahnameh is not merely a copy of an ancient text; it is a testament to the artistic innovation and scholarly dedication of the Timurid period. Its combination of textual refinement, masterful calligraphy, and carefully selected, exquisitely rendered miniatures marks it as a pivotal work in the history of Persian art and literature.

Shaping Future Traditions

The design choices and artistic innovations present in this manuscript, particularly its large page size and the thematic focus of its illustrations, foreshadowed trends in later royal manuscript commissions. It served as a benchmark, influencing subsequent generations of artists and patrons in the development of Persian book arts.

Cultural Heritage

As a key artifact housed in the Golestan Palace Museum and recognized by UNESCO, the Baysunghur Shahnameh represents a vital link to Iran's rich cultural past. Its study offers invaluable insights into the history, literature, art, and societal values of the Timurid era.

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References

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The Baysunghur Shahnameh

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

📜 A Monumental Epic

✍️ Scholarly Endeavor

🌟 Artistic Significance

Manuscript Specifications 🗂️

📏 Dimensions and Layout

🎨 Artistic School and Style

📖 Textual Modernization

The Miniatures: Artistry and Narrative 🖼️

✨ Quality and Execution

👑 Curated Selection

➡️ Visual Storytelling

Historical Context and Influence 🏛️

⏳ The Timurid Era

🤝 Comparison with Other Masterpieces

🌍 Global Recognition

Enduring Legacy 💡

🏆 A Pinnacle of Artistry

🔮 Shaping Future Traditions

🏛️ Cultural Heritage

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A Monumental Epic

Scholarly Endeavor

Artistic Significance

Manuscript Specifications

Dimensions and Layout

Artistic School and Style

Textual Modernization

The Miniatures: Artistry and Narrative

Quality and Execution

Curated Selection

Visual Storytelling

Historical Context and Influence

The Timurid Era

Comparison with Other Masterpieces

Global Recognition

Enduring Legacy

A Pinnacle of Artistry

Shaping Future Traditions

Cultural Heritage

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice