Persia / Iran: Page from the illuminated manuscript 'The Lights of Canopus' (Anwar-i Suhayli) depicting a royal court, by Mirza Rahim, 19th century, Iran

The Anwar-i Suhayli or 'The Lights of Canopus', commonly known as the Fables of Bidpai in the West, is a Persian version of the ancient Indian collection of animal fables, the Panchatantra. It tells a tale of a Persian physician, Burzuyah, and his mission to India, where he stumbles upon a book of stories collected from the animals who reside there.

In a similar vein to the Arabian Nights, the fables in the manuscript are inter-woven as the characters of one story recount the next, leading up to three or four degrees of narrative embedding. Many usually have morals or offer philosophical glimpses into human behaviour, emphasising loyalty and teamwork.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

The Walters Art Museum

Credit:

Pictures From History