Image details : A manuscript of the Gulistan (Rosegarden) by Sa'di; Sa'di in a Rose garden Text dated 1468, illumination added early 16th c., paintings repainted ca. 1645 Govardhan , (Indian, Indian) Mughal dynasty Reign of Shah Jahan This copy of Gulistan (Rosegarden), a collection of moralizing tales and aphorisms composed by the Persian poet Sa'di, is one of the most impressive manuscripts from Iran and India. Apart from its superb calligraphy, illustrations, and illumination, the volume serves as a fascinating historical document, highlighting the complex artistic and cultural relationship between the Mughals of India (reigned 1526–1858), and the Timurids (reigned ca. 1370–1502) and the Safavids (reigned 1501–1732), who ruled neighboring Iran. It was copied in 1468 by the celebrated Persian calligrapher Sultan Ali Mashhadi in the Timurid capital of Herat. Sometime during the early sixteenth century, the margins of its first sixteen folios were lavishly illuminated. The exquisite design, consisting of arabesques with mythical and real animals in fierce combat or intricate floral motifs, have been attributed to Aqa Mirak, one of the leading artists of the court of Shah Tahmasb (reigned 1524–76), the second Safavid ruler and remarkable patron of the arts. During the rule of Akbar, the third emperor of the Mughal dynasty in India (reined 1556–1605), which claimed descent for the Timurids, this manuscript went to India and entered the royal library. As great admirers of Timurid political and cultual achievements, the Mughals were avid collectors of Timurid works of art, especially illustrated manuscripts. Source : Smithsonian Museum

Is it on display in Smithsonian museum? if yes, would you know which one? I would love to go and check..

Beautiful.

Why India and Iran? It's a persian book, no?

Laurence Bougault : This is a painting by "Govardhan , (Indian, Indian) ,Mughal dynasty, Reign of Shah Jahan".