Manuscript
Ḥāfiẓ (fl.14th century)
Category
Manuscripts and documents
Date
10 Apr 1789
Materials
Paper, leather, lacquer and gold
Measurements
115 mm (H); 70 mm (W); 20 mm (D)
Place of origin
Shiraz
Order this imageCollection
Powis Castle and Garden, Powys
NT 1180664
Summary
Document - Persian manuscript, by family tradition known as 'Tipu's Prayer Book' but in fact the collected lyrical verses of the poet Hafiz. The covers of painted and lacquered paste-board and leather binding show a bird surrounded by flowers. Ink, watercolour and gold on paper. Loose note in front of book signed 'R. Strachey - Shiraz - Aug 8th 1800'. A page near the middle of the book is marked with a floral-shaped cut paper bookmark. See Treasures of India catalogue pg.125 / no.184.
Provenance
Possibly the Persian book mentioned in a letter from Richard Strachey to Lady Clive on 12 December 1802 "You desired me to send You a neat little Persian Book I enclose one which I procured in Shirauz...". Accepted by HM Treasury on 21st March, 1963 in lieu of tax and conveyed to National Trust ownership on 29th November 1963.
Makers and roles
Ḥāfiẓ (fl.14th century), author