AHA Teaching and Learning Project Teaching and Learning: Visual Literacy and Associative Thought: Keyword Illuminated Manuscripts

Illuminated Manuscript

The Feast of Sada: Leaf from the Shahnama of Shah Tahmasp, Detached folio from an illustrated manuscript, ca. 1520–22; Safavid Sultan Muhammad, Artist (attributed to) Iranian; Attributed to Iran Opaque colors, ink, silver, and gold on paper; Painting: 10 13/16 x 9 1/16 in. (27.4 x 23 cm); Entire Page: 18 1/2 x 12 5/8 in. (47 x 32 cm) Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970 (1970.301.2) www.metmuseum.org


These handwritten books are decorated with gold or silver, striking colors, elaborate designs and miniature pictures. The pages are so richly decorated that they seem literally "illuminated."


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