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Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

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A peri holding an effigy of the sun rides a composite lion
Kashmir, probably third quarter of the 18th century
MS M.787 fol. 1r

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Within landscape of hills and trees, youthful grey-winged peri with waist-length hair kneels on the back of a fantastic lion. Peri holds reins in the form of a long serpent which wraps around its body and arms, and around the lion’s neck.
Peri wears pale pink dress and green coat (both with small gold patterns), a pair of wide gold bracelets, and a necklace all decorated with rubies and emeralds. On peri’s head, a high gold crown topped with a black feather. Peri holds a gold disc bearing a face (effigy of the sun) in its right hand.
Striding uphill from right to left is fantastic composite lion (Leo), a symbolic representation of the sun in its house. Body of lion is composed of intertwined animals, humans, and monsters. Composite figures’ eyes, crowns, jewelry, and garment hems are of gold. Lion’s legs are patterned with human heads emerging from lion heads; claws on lion’s paws formed by head and beaks of four birds. Bell hangs around lion’s neck.
Scene set on hillside with rounded green bushes and many small daisy-like flowers. In background are trees and medium-blue sky with faint white clouds. Architectural motifs (buildings?) are located on either side of rounded hill.
Miniature framed by border decorated with Chinese-style flowers and bushy leaves in black ink with gold wash.



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