Wonders of Creation

This is an illuminated and illustrated copy of a Persian version of the famous ʿAjā’ib al-makhlūqāt (Wonders of Creation) by Zakariyāʾ al-Qazwīnī, composed by Shams al-Dīn Muḥammad al-Ṭūsī. 

Composed in Iran during the 13th century, al-Qazwīnī’s cosmography became immensely popular as an illustrated encyclopedia. It was copied many times throughout the Islamic world and translated into Persian and Turkish. Beginning with the world above, it describes first the heavens, stars, constellations, and heavenly beings (angels). The second part is dedicated to the earth below, with a geographical account of the seas and the creatures that inhabit them, followed by descriptions of plants, animals, birds, insects, and finally a section on fantastic creatures.

This copy of the text is illustrated with 181 paintings of different sizes that offer an interesting iconography. Today we present one card from the manuscript with the amazing depiction of a rainbow with the faces of the sun and moon. Lovely isn't it?

If you would like to see the rest of the cards from the manuscript, here is the link to the Walters Art Museum website with them.

P.S. Here is a selection of the most interesting rainbows in art history. Have a look at this symbol of hope for a better future! <3