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A Thousand Years of the Persian Book

Library of Congress・119 minutes read

The Library of Congress hosts an exhibit on Persian books with support from the Iranian-American community, highlighting the importance of Persian literature and art in addressing human questions. The exhibit showcases diverse examples of illustrated texts from various genres and centuries, emphasizing the rich cultural heritage of Persian manuscripts.

Insights

  • Persian literature addresses fundamental human questions and provides grounding amidst technological advancements, as emphasized by Dr. Fatima Keshavarz.
  • Persian miniature paintings are integral to academic book creation, with Professor John Renard highlighting their significance through examples from various literary genres and cultures.
  • Illustrated Persian manuscripts showcase diverse genres like universal histories, hagiography, and epic poetry, with examples ranging from different regions and centuries.
  • Persian art demonstrates a blend of cultural influences, such as Indian painters creating visuals for Persian texts, showcasing evolving body styles, clothing, and artistic interpretations.
  • The transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional illustrations in Indian Mogul painting, alongside increasing prevalence of signatures on paintings, reflects evolving artistic techniques and styles.

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Recent questions

  • What is the focus of the exhibit "A Thousand Years of the Persian Book" at the Library of Congress?

    The exhibit at the Library of Congress titled "A Thousand Years of the Persian Book" showcases the rich history and cultural significance of Persian literature and art. It delves into the importance of Persian books in addressing fundamental human questions and grounding individuals amidst technological advancements. The exhibit features various aspects of Persian book production, culture, and illustrations, highlighting the intricate narratives and academic creations found in Persian manuscripts.

  • Who are some notable figures involved in organizing the exhibit at the Library of Congress?

    Dr. Fatima Keshavarz, a prominent member of the Iranian-American community and director of the Roshan Institute for Persian Studies at the University of Maryland, has been instrumental in organizing the exhibit at the Library of Congress. She emphasizes the importance of Persian literature and culture in addressing universal human questions and the need for a connection to tradition in the face of technological progress. Additionally, Professor John Renard, known for his extensive work on Islam and cultural bridge-building, is introduced as the inaugural speaker at the exhibit, focusing on the significance of Persian book illustrations in academic and narrative contexts.

  • What themes and genres are explored in the Persian manuscripts showcased at the exhibit?

    The Persian manuscripts showcased at the exhibit explore a wide range of themes and genres, including universal histories, tales of the prophets, hagiography, epic poetry, mystical poetry, and wisdom literature. These diverse genres offer insights into different aspects of Persian culture, history, and storytelling traditions. The exhibit features examples of illustrated texts from various literary genres, showcasing the complexity and richness of Persian miniature paintings across cultures and centuries.

  • How do Persian miniatures evolve in style and complexity over different time periods?

    Persian miniatures evolve in style and complexity over different time periods, with examples from the 13th, 16th, and grandest 17th centuries illustrating the progression. The illustrations depict scenes associated with texts like the "Shahnameh" and the story of Joseph and Zuleika, showcasing changes in body style, clothing, and artistic interpretation. The evolution in Persian miniature paintings reflects cultural influences on artists and the development of visual storytelling techniques over centuries.

  • What is the significance of Persian art in bridging cultural exchanges and understanding?

    Persian art plays a crucial role in bridging cultural exchanges and fostering understanding between different communities. The exhibit at the Library of Congress highlights the shared heritage and cosmopolitan nature of the Persian language, emphasizing the need to move beyond associating it solely with Iran. By showcasing diverse themes, genres, and artistic styles in Persian manuscripts, the exhibit promotes appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Persian art and literature, encouraging dialogue and engagement across cultures.

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Summary

00:00

"A Thousand Years of Persian Book" Exhibit

  • The Library of Congress in Washington DC is hosting an exhibit titled "A Thousand Years of the Persian Book" with the support of the Iranian-American community.
  • Dr. Fatima Keshavarz, a pillar of the community and director of the Roshan Institute for Persian Studies at the University of Maryland, has been instrumental in organizing the exhibit.
  • Dr. Keshavarz highlights the importance of Persian literature in addressing fundamental human questions and the need for grounding in the midst of technological advancements.
  • The Roshan Institute for Persian Studies has organized a speaker series with 15 world-class speakers focusing on various aspects of Persian book production and culture.
  • Ten Iranian poets are present at the event as part of a cultural exchange program, enhancing connections between Iranian and American poets and educators.
  • Dr. Keshavarz introduces Professor John Renard as the inaugural speaker, known for his extensive work on Islam and bridge-building between cultures.
  • Professor Renard's presentation focuses on the significance of Persian book illustrations as integral to the narrative and academic creation of books.
  • He discusses the complexity of illustrated Persian books, showcasing examples from different literary genres and illustrating how scenes are depicted across cultures and centuries.
  • Professor Renard uses the four words starting with "M" - Manuscript, Miniature, Method, and Motif - to guide the audience through the rich world of Persian miniature paintings.
  • He delves into various literary genres like universal histories, tales of the prophets, hagiography, epic poetry, mystical poetry, and wisdom literature, showcasing diverse examples of illustrated texts.

21:18

"Persian Texts: Manuscripts, Martyrs, and Epics"

  • The text was written by Jamie in the 15th century in Herat, now in northwestern Afghanistan.
  • Two different manuscripts of the same text are shown, one from Baghdad around 1595 and the other from India about 10-15 years later.
  • The left manuscript was created in an Arabic capital, illustrating a Persian text for an Ottoman patron, while the right one from India showcases a very different Indian painting style.
  • Another branch of hagiography focuses on individual figures like Rumi, with a biography from Baghdad in the late 16th century.
  • The text about Rumi began in Persian in the 14th century, was later abbreviated, and eventually translated into Turkish.
  • Martyrology, a sub-genre of hagiography, is depicted in the right manuscript, featuring Imam Hussein at his brother Imam Hassan's deathbed.
  • The first Christian literature in Persian in India was created by a Jesuit named Jerome Xavier, with Indian painters illustrating the text for an Indian patron.
  • The epic "Shahnameh" features episodes from the life of Alexander the Great, including his encounters with Brahmanas and the message of mortality from talking trees.
  • Rostam, a legendary figure akin to Jack Bauer in Persian lore, engages in a battle with the demon Akhvan Div, showcasing his strength and resourcefulness.
  • Derivative epics like the Hamza Name and Khavaran Name feature heroes from the family of the Prophet, with Ali being the Rostam of Shiite tradition.

38:06

Persian Painting: Intricate Stories in Art

  • The sea morgue at the Seymour is a notable pun in literature, with a remarkable painting featuring a snake eyeing eggs in a bird's nest.
  • The Sadie expert Fatima Keshavars shares stories of Sadie visiting a Hindu temple, with a painting at Harvard's Sackler Gallery and another at the Boston.
  • The Golestan, a prose poetry combination, is depicted in an album by a Mughal king, showcasing scenes associated with the text.
  • Examples of Persian miniatures from the 13th, 16th, and grandest 17th centuries illustrate the primal king Gaiu Mars, showcasing different levels of complexity and detail.
  • Indian painters created visuals for Persian texts, like the story of Joseph and Zuleika, showing a progression in body style, clothing, and artistic interpretation over the 17th to 19th centuries.
  • Structural devices in interpreting images include literal and multi-scene interpretations, with techniques like hiding the narrative focus to engage viewers.
  • Content embellishment through metaphor, symbolism, and artistic license enhances the visual storytelling, as seen in depictions of Zuleika's advances towards Joseph.
  • Complex images contain multiple scenes or episodes, like Sadie's disciple witnessing angels descending, or Rumi's interaction with a bull, conveying moral lessons.
  • Disguising the narrative focus adds intrigue to paintings, as seen in depictions of Majnoon searching for Laily and King Neushavon interpreting owl conversations.
  • The narrative focus in Persian paintings can be subtly hidden, as exemplified by the story of ducks carrying a tortoise, showcasing the artistry and complexity of visual storytelling.

55:31

Symbolic Persian Miniatures: Stories of Heroes and Fate

  • The painter depicts Alexander the Great's death moment, symbolizing nature mourning his demise by showing a tree bursting into flames.
  • Rostam kills his friend Esfandiar due to a tragic fate, portrayed with a two-pointed arrow aimed at him.
  • A visual chiasmus is shown by the painter, with living and dead elements creating a symbolic pattern.
  • Architecture is used as embellishment in a scene from the life of Iskandar, connecting with symbolic significance.
  • The painter inserts calligraphy panels to identify a building, emphasizing the symbolic message of mortality.
  • A geographically inspired work from late 16th century Baghdad showcases the story of Junaid and his uncle, with names subtly written on characters' turbans.
  • Substitution is exemplified in a painting where the Kaaba replaces a less visually appealing location, and a boy tells his dream to his grandfather instead of his mother.
  • Themes of heroes, marvelous birth, and father-son alienation are highlighted as common motifs in world lore.
  • The exhibition's influence on English language and culture is acknowledged, with a call to emulate the legacy of Persian materials.
  • The presentation concludes with a public service announcement humorously stating that looking at Persian miniatures is habit-forming but leads to a happy demise.

01:15:03

Evolution of Persian Art and Mythology

  • Persian mythology includes characters like Siobhash, Rustam, Sohrab, and their families.
  • Illustrations of Persian art mainly post-date the Mongol era.
  • Pre-Mongol era paintings or books are scarce, with significant works emerging around the 13th century.
  • Transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional illustrations is notable in Indian Mogul painting.
  • Signatures on paintings become more prevalent from the late 15th century onwards.
  • Animals in manuscripts often symbolize human qualities, blurring the human-animal divide.
  • Some animals in manuscripts serve decorative purposes rather than allegorical roles.
  • Scholarly book recommendations for Persian art include Shreev Simpson's work on the Freer Jami manuscript.
  • Variations in illustrations, like using pomegranates instead of oranges, reflect cultural influences on artists.
  • Surviving Persian manuscripts predominantly date from the Mongol period onwards, with older works being scarce.

01:35:35

Astrological manuscript predicts prince's life.

  • The horoscope found in a manuscript was written for Prince Eskandar, the grandson of Tamerlane, in Shiraz in 1410.
  • An archaeologist friend suggested showcasing the manuscript in a library, generating significant interest.
  • The manuscript contained four chapters predicting the prince's life based on his birth date, with intricate illustrations on every page.
  • The calculations and illustrations were attributed to the grandson of an Iranian mathematician, Riya Sadinakoshi.
  • Prince Eskandar had a keen interest in illustrations, maintaining a school of painters and manuscript producers in Shiraz.
  • The manuscript's illustrations depicted movement, contrary to the belief that Timurid miniature paintings lacked dynamism.
  • The astrologer predicted danger to the prince's eyes, which historical context revealed as a common practice among Timurid princes.
  • The need to emphasize the history of Persian-speaking lands, particularly through systematic programming and undergraduate teaching, was highlighted.
  • The curator at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore focused on showcasing Persian manuscripts through exhibitions and digital accessibility.
  • Future plans include translations of the material to enhance understanding and engagement with the rich cultural heritage of Persian manuscripts.

01:53:51

Persian Language and Art: Shared Heritage

  • The speaker expresses gratitude for the interest in Persian language studies and suggests acknowledging the shared heritage of the Persian language among various cultures.
  • Emphasizing the diversity of the Persian language, the speaker highlights the need to recognize its cosmopolitan nature and move beyond associating it solely with Iran.
  • The speaker raises questions about the production processes of Persian art, including the sequence of script and image creation, the role of workshops, and the use of color materials.
  • The discussion delves into historical instances of translation and cultural exchange, such as the translation house established by Akbar in Mughal India in the 1590s.
  • Limited historical documents provide insights into workshop practices, with examples like Rasheed al-Din's work specifying illustration preferences and the Azardasht document offering glimpses into production processes.
  • The conversation touches on the inclusiveness of the exhibit, showcasing materials produced by various cultures, and the importance of understanding the shared history of Persian art.
  • The speaker discusses the challenges of interdisciplinary collaboration in studying Persian manuscripts, highlighting the need for cooperation between different fields of expertise.
  • The relationship between text and image creation in Persian manuscripts is explored, with evidence suggesting that illustrations were often added later and supervised by experts.
  • The engagement with European art in Persia dates back to the 17th century, with missionaries and Armenian Christians playing key roles in introducing European artistic influences.
  • The speaker emphasizes the active engagement of Persian artists with European art, showcasing examples like Muhammad Zaman's adaptation of European prints in his work.

02:12:50

Confluence in Art: Broadening Perspectives and Styles

  • Influence should be replaced with confluence to encourage a broader perspective in art appreciation.
  • Thinking in terms of larger regions and constellations of art can diminish concerns about authenticity and originality.
  • Indian style poetry exemplifies a period influenced by Indian art, showcasing a new phase of artistry.
  • Paintings within books suggest the prestige of books as portable, accessible collections of art.
  • Albums without text suggest a collection of freestanding images, often collected by wealthy individuals.
  • Books were popular due to their portability and ability to contain diverse material in one place.
  • Art in the Middle East was integrated into daily life, becoming part of objects like carpets and candle holders.
  • Persian art emphasizes the importance of images in bringing text to life, making books a vital medium for art.
  • Persian art includes a variety of characters beyond royalty, depicting everyday scenes and professions.
  • Islamic views on images vary, with many images created for educational and entertainment purposes rather than idolatry.

02:32:17

"Color, Pattern, and Form in Art"

  • Analysis of painting elements like color composition, line patterning, and their connection to the 21st century discussed.
  • Muhammad Zaman's use of color and pattern in his paintings, blending European and Persian aesthetics.
  • Exploration of artists in Europe and America who define form through color and are inspired by Islamic art.
  • Use of domestic pigments for colors in Islamic art until the 17th century, sourced from minerals and plants.
  • Challenges in accessing Persian scripts for foreigners and the need for educational support in schools and museums.
  • Efforts to bridge the gap between elite art and ordinary life, emphasizing the community aspect of art creation.
  • Digitization of manuscripts in Iran and the debate on whether printing devalues or popularizes elite art.
  • The importance of viewers in interpreting art, with examples of lower-class elements in elite settings like the Capitol Building and Blair House.
  • Appreciation for the panelists and audience for their contributions to the discussion on art and accessibility.
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